Sleep Apnea Treatments: Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) in Arlington

Get a better night's sleep and preserve your oral health with Virginia Dental Center

While a normal case of snoring isn’t life-threatening, it can be a sign of other serious conditions such as sleep apnea and can impact multiple areas of your life. If you’re finding that snoring is preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, Virginia Dental Center is here to help. Learn how getting a full night’s rest can change your life for the better!

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is defined as the interruption of breathing while you are sleeping. When this occurs, your oxygen levels get too low and your brain tries to wake you so you can breathe again. You may wake up with a gasp or a loud snort, making it impossible to get a full night of sleep.

Symptoms of sleep apnea:

• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Daytime lethargy
• Gasping or choking while you're asleep
• Excessive fatigue during the day
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Snoring
• Depression
• Dry mouth or throat
• Headache
• Irritability and mood swings
• Weight gain
• Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism)

However, the presence of any or all of these doesn't confirm sleep apnea, so you should make an appointment with your dentist to eliminate it as a possibility.

What Are Sleep Apnea Causes?

Laxity of the throat muscles is the primary cause of this sleep disorder. It can be precipitated by the following:

1. Genetic predisposition
2. Overweight or obesity
3. Male birth gender
4. Neck circumference over 16 inches

If you have any of these, it's not a guarantee that you'll develop sleep apnea in Arlington. Rather, it indicates that you have a higher probability of developing it. Since there's not much that can be done about any of the above except losing weight, consult with your dentist to explore alternative therapies so that you can once again get a good night's sleep.

What Is The Most Common Sleep Apnea Treatment?

If you have a mild case, then minor lifestyle changes may provide the solution. Side-sleeping and losing weight may be all you need. If that doesn't solve the problem, your dentist may prescribe a dental appliance such as a sleep apnea mouthpiece or a sleep apnea mouth guard. These work by gently maintaining the teeth and jaw in the correct position throughout the night so your airway doesn't become constricted.

Occasionally, surgery may be the only solution to treat your sleep apnea in Arlington. However, we recommend surgery only in extreme cases and as a last resort. If you have more questions or want to schedule an appointment, call our Arlington office, and we'll help you.

What's An Oral Appliance For Sleep Apnea?

An oral appliance for sleep apnea in Arlington is similar to a mouth guard for sports, or the retainer used when you get braces. It's worn only at night, and it helps maintain your teeth and jaw in proper alignment. This keeps the airway open so your body has adequate air intake throughout the night. There's no pain involved, the appliance is small, so you can take it when you travel, and it's non-invasive.

Be sure to get a prescription, custom-made appliance, though. Don't get one from your local pharmacy because it won't work as well, if at all.

How Much Will An Oral Appliance Cost?

The cost of a custom-made mouthpiece will vary depending on the type you select and any insurance coverage you have. However, it's a small investment for your long-term health. For more specific questions, call our Arlington office, and we'll answer them.

Are There Benefits To OAT Therapy?

The primary benefit of OAT therapy is that you sleep better. No more waking up gasping or snoring yourself awake. The appliances are small and portable, they're affordable, and they're effective. Unlike surgery, it's non-invasive, and when you travel, you can take your appliance with you and not have to sacrifice a good night's sleep. If you have more questions about the benefits of OAT therapy, call our Arlington office, and we'll answer them.

Does My Insurance Cover OAT Therapy?

Insurance policies are unique to the individual, so we recommend you check with your provider before your appointment. Ask them what benefits you have, the limitations, exclusions, and the copays. Bring that information to your appointment, and we'll work to get you the maximum benefit possible. Many insurance companies pay for OAT therapy, but some don't.

How we can help…

Virginia Dental Center is equipped to help treat your sleep apnea. It begins with an initial sleep apnea screening that monitors your sleep cycle. Depending on your screening, we may refer you to a sleep specialist. In some cases, you may need a dental device to help open your airways while you sleep.

Need An Appointment?

If you'd like to make an appointment with one of our skilled dentists, call our Arlington office, and we'll put you on the schedule. You'll be thrilled to get a good night's sleep, and we'll be thrilled to help you, so call us today!