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May
What’s There to Know about OSA Oral Appliance Therapy?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder where you wake repeatedly during the night due to obstructed breathing. It’s caused by collapsed tissues blocking your airways while you sleep. OSA can keep you from getting the rest you need to function properly the next day. An OSA oral device can help resolve this problem and promote better sleep. No doubt you have questions about OSA devices and how they work. Dr. Andy Stein and your Stein Family Dentistry team in Spokane, Washington, answer your questions and address your concerns here.
What are OSA oral appliances?
Oral appliances are mouthpieces worn over your teeth that keep your airways open to improve your breathing while you sleep. There are two main types of OSA devices: mandibular advancement devices and tongue stabilizing devices. Dr. Stein will customize your oral appliance to ensure it fits comfortably and works as it should.
How do OSA devices work?
As you sleep, the muscles in your throat and tongue can become so relaxed that they collapse over your airways, restricting your breathing. Insufficient airflow causes you to wake up repeatedly gasping for air. Once you start breathing, you fall asleep again. OSA devices pull your jaw and tongue forward while you sleep to keep your airways open for unobstructed breathing. Improved breathing allows you to sleep more peacefully.
What are some signs I may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea?
The following are some common OSA symptoms:
- Waking up frequently at night, gasping for air.
- Restless sleep.
- Intense snoring.
- Sleepiness or tiredness during the day.
- Daytime fatigue.
- Inability to concentrate or focus during the day.
- Frequent morning headaches.
What are the benefits of using an OSA oral appliance for sleep?
Over time, sleep deprivation can lead to an array of health issues. By improving your breathing, OSA devices enable you to get quality sleep. A good night’s sleep will improve your focus, concentration, and functionality during the day. OSA devices are easy to use, comfortable to wear, and compact, so you can take them anywhere, even when you travel. An OSA device can also help minimize snoring, enabling your partner to get a good night’s sleep as well.
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New Patients: (509) 463-1770 | Existing Patients: (509) 747-5586
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How do I get an oral device to improve my sleep?
The first step is getting an accurate diagnosis of your condition from a sleep specialist. You’ll then be referred to your local dentist, who can customize an OSA device for your use. These devices work best for managing mild to moderate OSA symptoms and offer an alternative to using a CPAP machine to control your breathing. OSA mouthpieces are less intrusive than CPAP machines, but they do take some getting used to. Most people adapt well to their use within a few weeks.
Where can I go to learn more about oral appliance therapy?
You can call or visit Dr. Andy Stein from Stein Family Dentistry in Spokane, WA, to learn more about OSA and our custom OSA treatments. We can be reached at (509) 463-1770.
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Dr. Andy Stein is the owner and Lead Dentist of Stein Family Dentistry. He graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology with a Degree in Biology and Business, received his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from the Oregon Health Science University, and completed his general practice residency program at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Salt Lake City. He worked for a community health center for three years, developing his skills in and passion for dentistry.
Dr. Stein is a member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the Frank Spear Study Club. He was an active leader in the Southern Oregon Dental Society before relocating to Spokane. He is very enthusiastic about continuing education.