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06 July 2014

Chicago Insomnia Sufferers With Sleep Apnea Seek Relief With Custom Oral Appliance Therapy

By Kurt Saniel


Many people suffer with an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night causing them to feel fatigued and unable to focus during the day. In some, their insomnia is caused by sleep apnea, which is a condition that causes them to stop breathing at various times during the night. Some Chicago insomnia sufferers are able to get relief with custom oral appliance therapy.

Dental appliances open up the airways and allow users to breathe freely while they sleep. These plastic appliances are worn much like an athlete's mouth guard or the typical orthodontic retainer. Custom appliances are created to fit the patient's mouth comfortably.

These appliances work by repositioning the soft tissues in the back of the throat, the tongue, and the lower jaw. At the same time, they hold the tongue and jaw in a fixed position. This allows air to flow and eliminates any airway obstructions.

Different types of oral appliances are available. Dentists trained in this type of therapy evaluate patients to determine which is best suited for their individual needs. Evaluation and fitting of a custom device can take several weeks in some cases.

Ongoing care is required after the patient receives and starts using this type of device. The patient will visit the dentist numerous times to ensure its use is having a positive effect. During these appointments, the dentist will evaluate the condition of the appliance and make any adjustments to ensure it fits comfortably.

Many people will require a couple of weeks to adjust to the sensation of sleeping with a dental appliance in place. This therapy is convenient for individuals who travel frequently because the oral device is small enough to pack along with other personal care items. This option is attractive to many patients because the devices are non-invasive and their use is easily discontinued if they do not produce the desired effect. Dentists will sometimes suggest combining the use of these appliances with other therapies.




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