Sleep apnea in Indianapolis, IN
Sleep apnea is a potentially debilitating condition characterized by shallow or infrequent breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles supporting the soft palate relax, allowing the airway to narrow and close as you breathe in. It causes sufferers to snore loudly, choke, and gasp during sleep, leaving them (and those closest to them) feeling exhausted during the day. Conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea include high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and impaired concentration.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Along with complaints from those closest to you, the following are sleep apnea symptoms to be aware of:
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Waking frequently with the need to urinate
- Feeling fatigued throughout the day
- Weight gain
- Attention problems
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Depression
Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea
At Smith Smiles Family Dentistry, Dr. Smith addresses sleep apnea symptoms and snoring with a removable, dental appliance for sleep apnea (an oral appliance similar to a mouthpiece) that stabilizes the tongue and repositions the jaw. This allows for normal mouth opening and closing, as well as normal airflow, giving you immediate relief from sleep apnea symptoms.
Though the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device is the gold standard for treating mild to severe sleep apnea, our treatment is far less invasive and is ideal for patients who can’t tolerate the CPAP or who suffer from mild sleep apnea. Dental sleep appliances are easy to use and require little to no change in your lifestyle.
Are Dental Sleep Appliances Safe?
Your dental appliance for sleep apnea will be custom fitted to your mouth. It will not cause excessive discomfort, but there might be an adjustment period while you get used to sleeping with it. Dr. Smith will fit the appliance to your mouth and can make adjustments as needed.
FAQ
If I snore, does that mean I have sleep apnea?
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Snoring that is not associated with sleep apnea does not result in extreme fatigue.
What are common signs of sleep apnea?
Loud snoring and long pauses between breaths while sleeping are the most recognizable signs of sleep apnea.
Do I have to sleep with a machine if I have sleep apnea?
Oral appliances are an effective alternative to the CPAP device, which can be very disruptive and uncomfortable for both the individual suffering from sleep apnea as well as their partner.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Why TAP Sleep Care System Is Right for You
The louder you snore, the happier your marriage will be. Said no one ever! The fact of the matter is that there’s a lot more to snoring that could keep you up at night. Sleep-related dental problems TAP FAQ such as GERD (heartburn/acid reflux) and bruxism (teeth grinding) may be signs of more serious health risks including stroke, heart disease, arrhythmias, and esophageal cancer. But wait, there’s more, because there are proven links between missing out on sleep and other health risks, like depression, memory loss, hypertension, and weight gain. Who doesn’t love to gain weight, right?
But there’s an answer that’s so simple you’ll kick yourself for not trying it sooner. TAP Sleep Care from Airway Management effectively treats the full spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing, offering you a holistic, more intelligent approach to your well-being that can dramatically improve your quality of life.
Snore No More!
Yes, snoring can be a disruption in the bedroom, and fixing it can do the work of a
dozen marriage counselors. But how can TAP help? The Thornton Adjustable Positioner, or
TAP, is a patented mandibular (lower jaw) advancement device specifically engineered for
keeping your airway open while you sleep.
What makes the TAP so innovative is the single-point, midline advancement mechanism. This technology not only allows you to advance your lower jaw with greater range than any other device, it also makes it incredibly comfortable and easy to adjust your device while it’s in your mouth. TAP Sleep Care lets you take ownership of your therapy by achieving optimal results on a gradual, night-by-night basis.
Of course we think our oral appliances are amazing, but the great news is that the experts agree. TAP has shown in numerous independent peer-reviewed studies to be superior and more effective than any other appliance on the market. In fact, it’s the only device proven to be equivalent to CPAP1.
How to Get a Sleep Appliance
If you are an existing patient who still has trouble sleeping, even after using a CPAP
or other oral appliance, talk to Dr. Smith about which TAP Sleep Care device is right
for you. If you’ve never used CPAP before and are new to oral appliances, *getting
started is easy, just follow these simple steps:
1. Consultation
Dr. Smith will see you for a consultation to see if an oral sleep appliance is right for you based on your sleep test.
2. Sleep Test/Screening
A sleep physician has to diagnose you with sleep apnea by undergoing a sleep test.
If you don’t want to have a sleep test and would prefer to just be treated for snoring,
talk to Dr. Smith about using myTAP
Depending on your level of sleep apnea (mild or moderate), your doctor and Dr.
Smith can help determine which TAP sleep care product is right for you.
Oral appliances (myTAP or customTAP) are great for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
3. Scan and fitting
Dr. Smith will take a scan of your teeth to ensure a proper fit.
4. Follow-up visit
You will schedule a follow-up visit to make sure that your TAP oral appliance still fits well.