Are you suffering from sleep-related disorders? We have an amazing solution to improve your breathing! Sleep apnea and snoring devices are vital tools for treating and managing your sleep disorders. At Mercer Island Dental, our expert dentists, Dr. Goichi Shiotsu and Dr. Ryan Tam, provide state-of-the-art customized tools to treat your breathing and sleep apnea issues.
Call us NOW at 206-232-3600 to schedule your FREE Snoring and Sleep Apnea Consultation. Take the first step toward a restful night's sleep.
Click Now For Your FREE Sleep Apnea Consultation
Devices such as the Inspire sleep apnea device, a mandibular advancement device, and a sleep apnea mouth guard help to alleviate your obstructive sleep apnea by keeping your upper airway open during sleep. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms, these appliances could be a great fit for you.
These devices can improve sleep quality and overall health by reducing loud snoring and helping with breathing.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when your airway is blocked, making it the most common form of sleep apnea. During sleep, the muscles in your throat, tongue, or nasal cavity relax too much and collapse, closing off your airway.
Possible Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Include:
- Loud Snoring
- Tiredness or Fatigue During the Day
- Grinding and Clenching of Your Teeth
- Frequent Awakening
- Dry Mouth
- TMJ Pain
- Throat Pain
- TMJ Headaches
- Memory Issues
- Frequent Trips to the Bathroom
- Difficulty Keeping Focus
- Chipping/Breaking of Teeth
How Do Sleep Apnea Devices Help You Stop Snoring and Treat Sleep Apnea?
At Mercer Island Dental, we start with an exam and digital images of your teeth, jaw, and airway. Dr. Goich Shiotsu and Dr. Ryan Tam can show you the different treatment options and help you choose the one that suits you the best. A sleep appliance, also known as a mandibular advancement device, looks similar to a mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer. We customize these devices to fit your mouth.
We make sleep guards that move your jaw forward. This keeps your throat open and allows more air to pass through while you sleep. We provide these custom appliances to prevent your jaw from falling back into your airway.
The benefits and advantages of an oral appliance for sleep apnea include:
- Decreased Snoring
- Increased Quality of Sleep
- Comfort Advantages Wearing Them at Night Instead of a Sleep Apnea Machine
- Custom-Design to Fit Your Dental Needs
- Simplicity
Common Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can vary, but many of you may experience similar signs. One of the most noticeable symptoms is loud snoring, which often disrupts your sleep and the sleep of others nearby. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea wake up suddenly with a choking or gasping sensation. Oftentimes, this symptom goes noticed.
This interrupted breathing can lead to frequent awakenings throughout the night, resulting in excessive daytime fatigue and exhaustion. Other common signs include dry mouth, sore throat, and morning headaches. You may also struggle with TMJ issues, memory loss, and irritability. Grinding or clenching of your teeth is another symptom often observed with sleep apnea.
Waking up often to urinate at night and having trouble concentrating during the day can be signs of sleep apnea. If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see our specialists at Mercer Island Dental. Dr. Goichi Shiotsu and Dr. Ryan Tam can help you with your obstructive sleep apnea problems.
Importance of Diagnosing Sleep Apnea Early
Diagnosing sleep apnea early is crucial for preventing a range of serious health complications. Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Lack of sleep from breathing interruptions can weaken your immune system, making your body more prone to getting sick.
Early diagnosis also helps in preventing conditions like diabetes and metabolic disorders. Moreover, sleep apnea significantly impacts mental health, contributing to memory loss, irritability, and even depression. If you catch the condition early, you can start the right treatments, like using a mouthpiece, to avoid future problems.
At Mercer Island Dental, Dr. Goichi Shiotsu and Dr. Ryan Tam emphasize the importance of promptly diagnosing and treating sleep apnea to improve your overall health and quality of life. Early intervention ensures tailored treatments that lead to better sleep, enhanced daytime functioning, and long-term well-being.
Mercer Island Dental’s Sleep Apnea Treatments
Dr. Goichi Shiotsu and Dr. Ryan Tam utilize advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your unique condition thoroughly. We offer custom-fitted oral appliances like the mandibular advancement device to help keep your airway open while you sleep. This can reduce snoring and improve your sleep quality.
Our expert dentists make these mouth appliances comfortable and effective so you can easily use them every day. Our custom devices are small and easy to carry. They are a good option for you if you travel and don't like using CPAP devices.
Choosing the Right Sleep Apnea Device
Choosing the correct device for sleep apnea is important for effective treatment and a restful night's sleep. At Mercer Island Dental, Dr. Shiotsu and Dr. Tam, will examine your needs and preferences. They will discuss them with you to guide you through the process. Factors such as your sleep apnea severity, lifestyle, and anatomical considerations will determine the most suitable device for you.
Custom-fitted oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices, are often recommended due to their comfort and effectiveness. These adjustable devices keep your airway open by gently repositioning your jaw.
Portable sleep devices provide an easy solution for frequent travelers or those who find (continuous positive airway pressure) CPAP sleep apnea machines bulky and inconvenient.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy offers a range of significant benefits for you if you're suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. One of the primary advantages is its comfort and ease of use. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are small, portable, and easy to wear, making them ideal for travel. They are custom-designed to fit your mouth, ensuring maximum nighttime comfort.
This treatment helps reduce snoring and improve your sleep by keeping your airway open, which reduces apneic events. Also, oral appliances do not need electricity or a CPAP mask, which means fewer disruptions for you and your partner.
Research indicates that using a dental mouthpiece can greatly improve sleep apnea symptoms and lead to a better quality of life. At Mercer Island Dental, Dr. Goichi Shiotsu and Dr. Ryan Tam provide tailored oral appliance solutions to meet your unique needs.
Ready to Improve Your Sleep, Well-being, and Overall Health?
If you're ready to improve your sleep and overall health, our dental experts at Mercer Island Dental are here to help. We'll treat your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), allowing you to enjoy better sleep, enhanced alertness, and improved cardiovascular health. Dr. Shiotsu and Dr. Tam offer personalized care with custom oral appliances for your comfort and ease.
Click Now For Your FREE Sleep Apnea Consultation
Call us NOW at 206-232-3600, and our warm and friendly dental team will schedule your FREE Snoring and Sleep Apnea Consultation. Our dedicated team ensures you receive the best care for restful sleep and a healthier, happier life.
