The Problem With CPAP
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night to get a drink of water or use the restroom, but find it difficult due to having to disconnect from your CPAP machine? You’re not the only one.
A continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine is a highly effective solution for treating sleep apnea. Unfortunately, many patients simply stop using their CPAP machine because it’s such a hassle. To use CPAP, you have to fasten a mask to your face and wear it all night while it continuously blows warm air into your airway. The machine is also known to be noisy and uncomfortable, forcing patients to sleep on their backs.
Thankfully, Dr. Hobbs offers our Longview patients alternatives to CPAP through oral appliance therapy. Read on to learn how you can benefit from this alternative treatment method.
Oral Appliance Therapy — Easy, Quiet, Unrestrained
An oral appliance, also known as mandibular advancement appliance or snore guard, is a small device that looks similar to a sports mouthguard. This appliance works by moving your jaw slightly forward to open up your airway, allowing you to breathe freely throughout the night.
Your oral appliance will be custom-made to meet your individual needs, ensuring maximum comfort while you sleep. Unlike CPAP, oral appliances are quiet and non-intrusive, so they won’t disturb you or your bed partner.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Dr. Hobbs wants you to experience the life-changing benefits that a custom oral appliance offers, including:
- Small, convenient, and portable
- Easy to use
- Improves your daytime mood
- Enjoy soundless sleep
- Feel refreshed when you wake up
- Enhances your quality of sleep
- Custom-made just for you
- An affordable alternative to CPAP
Additional Treatment Options
We understand that not every patient may find effectiveness in a CPAP machine or a custom oral appliance. If you struggle with sleep apnea, we recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good habits to further improve your well-being. These changes include:
- Limiting your tobacco intake
- Cutting back on alcohol drinking
- Eliminating the use of sedatives before bed
- Losing weight and eating better
- Changing your sleep positions
- Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover oral appliances?
Most insurance companies will cover a portion of your expenses for an oral appliance. However, we do suggest contacting your provider for a more-in depth explanation of your coverage. We also offer flexible financing options for your convenience. If you have any questions or concerns about your insurance policy, contact our Longview office by calling (903) 686-9076, and one of our knowledgeable team members will be happy to assist you.
Is sleep apnea curable?
In most situations, sleep apnea isn’t 100 percent curable. For the more extensive cases, surgery may be required to eliminate symptoms associated with sleep apnea. However, this is only used as a last resort. Luckily, Dr. Hobbs offers various options for treating sleep apnea before surgery is even considered.
If you’re experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hobbs. During this visit, he’ll examine your symptoms to determine whether or not a sleep study is necessary.
Is oral appliance therapy an effective sleep apnea solution?
Yes, oral appliance therapy can be an effective solution to snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. Oral appliances work by moving your lower jaw forward and preventing your tongue from falling backward, keeping your airway open while you sleep. However, in order to be effective, oral appliances must be customized specifically for your mouth.
Effectively Treat Your Sleep Apnea With Dr. Hobbs
At DentaCare Dental, Dr. Hobbs offers custom oral appliances as a CPAP alternative, so you can sleep comfortably once again. To learn if oral appliance therapy is the right solution for you, schedule an appointment by calling our practice at (903) 686-9076. You can also request an appointment by filling out our online contact form and one of our team members will get back to you shortly.