Do you find yourself falling asleep at your desk? Or do you wake up frequently throughout the night and aren’t sure why? You may have sleep apnea! According to the American Medical Association (AMA), an estimated 30 million people in the United States have some form of sleep apnea, but only around 6 million are diagnosed. That is a whopping 80% of Americans unaware that they have the condition. But despite its commonality, sleep apnea can be dangerous. That is why it’s so important to watch for symptoms and find the right treatment as soon as possible! While there are a lot of solutions out there, Aesthetic Dental recommends a sleep apnea mouth guard. This appliance fits comfortably in your mouth while treating your sleep apnea, typically without issue.
How Do You Know If You Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can be difficult to detect on your own, as the symptoms vary from person to person. While snoring is the most common sleep apnea symptom, not everyone that snores ends up having sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Other common symptoms of the condition include:
Snoring loudly- Pauses during sleep without breathing
- Gasping for air while you sleep
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia issues
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Trouble focusing while awake
Most often, people notice they may have sleep apnea after a partner or friend points it out. And the only way to know for sure is to reach out to a sleep specialist to complete a sleep study. From there, you’ll be able to discuss treatment options.
What Is a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard?
Sleep apnea is a very common condition, so it’s unsurprising that many different solutions exist. A very common solution is a CPAP machine, or a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine. This medical device sends a gentle stream of air through a tube and mask. The air then helps keep your airway open, allowing you to breathe normally and preventing obstructive sleep apnea.
However, the machine is incredibly uncomfortable for most people. Wearing it overnight involves strapping a mask to your face and running a humidifier all night as you sleep. For patients who are claustrophobic, need silence to sleep, or are unwilling to try a CPAP machine, this solution is not an option.
At Aesthetic Dental, we offer a sleeker, easier-to-use solution. If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, we may recommend a mouth guard.
Similar to the guards people wear during sports, a mouth guard is a plastic tray that fits directly over your teeth. However, you wear this tray only at night while you’re sleeping, and it’s not just to protect your teeth. A snore guard, or mouth guard, gently guides your jaw forward, helping open your airway. When wearing the guard, you prevent your throat from vibrating or closing up, which can cause snoring.
Of course, this solution doesn’t work for everyone. Patients with more severe sleep apnea may need a CPAP machine for treatment. But if you’re dealing with mild to moderate sleep apnea, a night guard may be the right solution for you!
Does Insurance cover a Mouth Guard?
When you come into our office for a free consultation, ask about using a snore guard for sleep apnea. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a medical device, your mouth guard may even be covered by insurance!
At your appointment, we will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and go over pricing and insurance benefits. Even if you don’t receive medical coverage, we may be able to split your costs into monthly payments with financing.
To learn what we can do for you at Aesthetic Dental, book a free consultation with us in Southfield, MI!
Breathe and Sleep Better With a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard in Southfield, MI
Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, but not everyone knows what treatment to use. With so many options, it can be overwhelming for patients to know where to start. At Aesthetic Dental, we offer sleep apnea mouth guards that help keep your airways open. Instead of struggling with a large CPAP machine, these appliances are sleek, comfortable, and fit perfectly in your mouth. Book a free consultation with us in Southfield, MI, today to start your journey towards better sleep.
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