Effective treatment for snoring and sleep apnea that does not require a CPAP machine

Snoring is a common issue that can occur, keeping bed partners awake and struggling to get the sleep they need. However, snoring can have different causes and, in some cases, can be the primary symptom of a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. However, it can also be a stand-alone issue that can be addressed with the help of a medical professional. Drs. Alyssa Fisher and L. Gary Painter of Tooth Acres Dentistry, Fort Wayne, Indiana, can assist patients in finding a treatment for snoring and sleep apnea that can ensure patient compliance.

How are snoring and obstructive sleep apnea related?

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can go hand-in-hand, but they are not always linked. Snoring occurs due to a collapse in the throat, and turbulent air passing over this area can cause the snoring sound. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a much more serious condition caused by frequent upper airway obstructions that create difficulty breathing throughout the night. These two conditions tend to overlap, though snoring does not always indicate a sleeping disorder.

How is obstructive sleep apnea often treated?

Many primary care physicians who diagnose an individual with OSA will often start patients on a treatment that uses a device called a CPAP machine. The CPAP machine is a reliable way of maintaining open airways at night, combatting both snoring and airway obstruction. However, many patients avoid using it because they have trouble getting comfortable with the mask while they sleep. This leads to noncompliance and, eventually, delaying treatment for their snoring or OSA, which needs to be resolved to improve their quality of life.

What alternative treatment options are used for treating sleep apnea and snoring?

While the CPAP machine is an effective treatment option for patients with OSA, it is not the only way to seek relief. Instead, our team at Tooth Acres Dentistry can help fabricate a custom night guard. This oral appliance is designed to align the jaw and open the airways for better sleep–without the uncomfortable mask over the face during sleep. We are happy to provide treatment with the SomnoDent device, which has been shown to provide excellent results for patients who have been non-compliant with their CPAP device. During a consultation appointment and initial evaluation, we can determine if you are a good fit for the SomnoDent device and whether or not it can help treat snoring and sleep apnea.

Connect with Tooth Acres Dentistry to find out more!

If you are seeking an effective treatment for snoring and sleep apnea, you may benefit from the SomnoDent oral appliance available at our office. This customized treatment allows you to breathe easily at night and alleviates the symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring.

Patients in and around Fort Wayne, IN, can call (260) 235-2992 to request an appointment at our office. Drs. Alyssa Fisher and L. Gary Painter is here to assist with general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry options.