Excellent service! I had terrible anxiety about dentist offices from a poor experience when I was a kid. I ended up not going to the dentist for many years as an adult, resulting in many problems. Ultimately, one day, I had a dental emergency and found Bridgetown Dental, who got me in immediately. I had so much fear about dentist offices that I was tearful during the initial consult. However, Dr. Kaady never shamed me for my worry. He was kind, explained everything about the procedure, and took the time to make me feel like he cared about my teeth and experience. I totally survived the cavity-filling! He asked if I would return (I had a lot more cavities) and start regular cleanings. Five years later, I am still a patient here! Valerie, who cleans my teeth, is wonderful! Everyone here is exceptional, professional, and friendly. I decline to go anywhere else. Bridgetown Dental cured my dentist office anxiety, and I highly recommend them!
Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. If you are one of them, a sleep appliance can help. It’s just one of the options for sleep apnea treatment offered at Bridgetown Dental.
To schedule a consultation, call us today at 503-809-4742.
We’ll provide a convenient home sleep test and work with a sleep doctor to analyze your results. If you have apnea, we’ll provide holistic treatment that will likely include a custom-made appliance that you wear during the night. It keeps your airway open so you can breathe easily.
In the meantime, read about the effects of sleep apnea, some treatment options available, and how a custom-made appliance may be the right choice for you.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much to allow normal breathing. These muscles support structures such as the soft palate, the uvula, the tonsils, and the tongue. When they relax, the airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, momentarily cutting off the oxygen supply. This can cause you to wake up briefly to reopen your airway, disrupting your sleep. These breathing interruptions can happen as many as hundreds of times a night.
Effects of Sleep Apnea on Daily Life & Health
Not surprisingly, untreated sleep apnea can lead to a host of health problems, including:
- Daytime Fatigue – Frequent interruptions to sleep can result in significant daytime drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability. This can affect work performance and increase the risk of accidents.
- Cardiovascular Problems – Sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heartbeats.
- Diabetes – There’s a strong correlation between sleep apnea and insulin resistance, which can make it harder to manage diabetes.
- Metabolic Syndrome – This disorder can result in high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and increased waist circumference, all of which are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
- Liver Problems – People with sleep apnea are more likely to have abnormal results on liver function tests, and their livers are more likely to show signs of scarring.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
The most common treatments for sleep apnea include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy and custom-made sleep appliances.
A CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open and preventing pauses in breathing. While effective, CPAP therapy can be uncomfortable for some patients due to the mask and the machine’s noise. Adherence to CPAP therapy is crucial for its effectiveness, but some patients find it challenging to use consistently.
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, a custom-made sleep appliance can be a highly effective alternative. These oral appliances are designed to fit snugly over the teeth, repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
When a Sleep Appliance Is the Right Choice
A custom-made appliance is an excellent choice for many patients due to its comfort and ease of use. It is particularly effective for:
- Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea – Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea often find significant relief with an appliance.
- CPAP Intolerance – For those who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or impractical, an appliance offers a more user-friendly solution.
- Travel and Convenience – Sleep appliances are compact and easy to carry, making them ideal for frequent travelers.
At our dental practice, we understand the profound impact that sleep apnea can have on your life and health. We are committed to offering effective, comfortable solutions tailored to your needs. If you are struggling with sleep apnea and looking for an alternative to CPAP therapy, a custom-made sleep appliance might be the perfect solution.
Unlike most practices, we also treat children with sleep-disordered breathing. In some cases, a tongue-tie can contribute to the problem. It prevents the tongue from sitting high in the palate during oral functions like chewing, swallowing, and sucking. This can cause the tongue to lower, which can lead to a blocked airway during sleep. It can also hinder the development of the lower jaw, palate, and nasal cavity, which can make it more difficult for your child to breathe properly. Your dentist can use a gentle laser to remove the tongue-tie during a procedure called a frenectomy.
Whether it’s you or a loved one who struggles with difficulty breathing during the night, a sleep appliance can help. Call Bridgetown Dental today at 503-809-4742 to schedule a consultation in Portland, OR. Take the first step toward better sleep and improved health!