Can you recall your partner usually nudging you a few times throughout the night, telling you to quit snoring? Do you wonder, “Will I ever wake up fully energized and rested?” You may be dealing with a sleeping disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. You’re not alone. Lots of adults are getting less than the recommended amount of daily sleep because of it. Luckily, your dentists at Smile by Design VA are here to help you and your partner by offering sleep apnea treatment in Virginia Beach. Together, we can lift this burden of interrupted sleep, helping your family get their lives back on track.
The Dangers of Sleeping with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What is OSA?
Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea—a potentially deadly sleeping disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes your airway to become blocked while you’re sleeping. This makes your body pause between breaths or takes very shallow breaths while you sleep. If you think you may have sleep apnea, you or your partner have most likely noticed some of these symptoms:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- A dry throat in the mornings
- Fatigue
- Choking or gasping while sleeping
- Restlessness
- Forgetfulness
- Mood changes
- Inability to focus
- Insomnia
- Decreased sex drive
What are the serious side effects of OSA?
A sudden lack of oxygen makes your brain suddenly send emergency signals, forcing your it to jolt awake just long enough to clear your airway. Most patients hardly remember waking up, but this not only interrupts your important sleep cycle, but it also creates these health complications and risks:
- Severe morning headaches
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Strokes
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Memory issues
- Fatigue and daytime exhaustion
- Depression and anxiety
Sleep Apnea Treatments from Your Dentist in Virginia Beach
If you’re interested in receiving a custom oral appliance from one of our dental experts, you should visit Smile by Design VA because we have options for you: TAP and EMA oral appliances.
Thorton Adjustable Positioner (TAP)
This mouthguard adjusts your airway open so that oxygen can flow while you sleep. It consists of upper and lower trays that are customized to your mouth to eliminate snoring and other side effects of sleep apnea. The TAP is truly the most comfortable way for patients to treat their sleep apnea and receive a better night’s rest.
Elastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA)
This is a more non-invasive form of OSA treatment. Like the previously mentioned oral appliance, the EMA positions the jaw forward for better airflow while you sleep. This oral appliance also helps with your bite at various levels. It comes with 5 different strap lengths and 4 different tension levels for optimal patient comfort.
Contact Smile by Design VA
We would hate for patients to continuously put their health at risk from suffering from OSA. There’s no reason to continue experiencing interrupted sleep when you can call our Virginia Beach office to meet with a dental expert. If you’re unsure if you have sleep apnea or not, still give us a call and we can test you for it. We’re happy to help patients get their lives back on track.