Sleep plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being, yet many adults struggle with sleep-disordered breathing without recognizing the warning signs. From chronic snoring to restless sleep and daytime fatigue, these challenges can significantly impact your energy levels, cognitive function, and quality of life. Dental sleep devices offer a promising solution for addressing these concerns and helping you achieve the restful sleep you need.
At Airway Dental and More, we understand the critical connection between proper airway function and healthy sleep. Our approach combines innovative technology with compassionate care to address the root causes of sleep-disordered breathing in adults, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Signs You May Benefit from a Dental Sleep Device
Many adults don’t realize certain behaviors and symptoms can indicate underlying airway issues. Research shows that millions of adults suffer from some form of sleep-disordered breathing. Recognizing the signs of airway issues can help you identify if you might benefit from dental sleep interventions. Some conditions to look out for include:
Mouth Breathing
When you breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, you miss out on the natural warming, moistening, and filtering of air that nasal breathing provides. Chronic mouth breathing delivers cold, dirty, dry, unsanitized air directly to the lungs and can lead to dry mouth and gum disease.
Snoring or Noisy Breathing During Sleep
Regular snoring is never normal and often indicates some level of airway obstruction that can affect both your sleep quality and that of your partner.
Restless Sleep or Unusual Sleeping Positions
Adults with breathing difficulties may sleep in unusual positions, such as with their necks extended or with multiple pillows, in an unconscious attempt to open their airways.
Daytime Fatigue and Difficulty Concentrating
Poor sleep quality can manifest as difficulty focusing at work, constant tiredness during the day, or feeling unrefreshed despite spending adequate time in bed.
After identifying these warning signs, it is vital to consult with a healthcare provider familiar with adult airway health to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.
How Dental Sleep Devices Work for Adults
Dental sleep devices are custom-made oral appliances that improve airway function during sleep. Unlike more invasive treatments, these devices offer a comfortable, non-surgical approach to managing sleep-disordered breathing in adults.
These devices are often integral to a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other therapeutic approaches. The specific type of device recommended depends on your unique needs and the underlying cause of your sleep issues.
Types of Dental Sleep Appliances for Adults
There are several types of dental sleep devices that may be recommended based on your circumstances, including:
Orthodontic Appliances
Devices such as expanders and arch development appliances can help grow the palate and correct malocclusions contributing to airway obstruction. These appliances create more space in the oral cavity and increase the size of the nasal cavity, facilitating better tongue posture and nasal airflow.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Similar to mouthguards, these are worn during sleep to adjust the position of the lower jaw and tongue, increasing the airway’s opening.
Tongue Positioners
These devices help maintain proper tongue position, preventing the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway during sleep.
QuietNite Therapy
This therapy can significantly reduce snoring and improve sleep quality for adults with sleep-disordered breathing.
The correct dental sleep device for you will depend on factors such as your age, the severity of your sleep issues, and any other existing dental or orthodontic concerns.
Benefits of Dental Sleep Devices for Adults
Addressing sleep-disordered breathing can have profound effects on your health and daily life. These benefits include:
- Improved sleep quality: Better sleep leads to more energy, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Proper rest supports brain function, memory consolidation, and workplace performance.
- Better cardiovascular health: Treating sleep-disordered breathing can reduce strain on your heart and circulatory system.
- Increased productivity: Quality sleep improves focus, decision-making abilities, and overall work performance.
- Reduced risk of long-term health problems: Untreated sleep-disordered breathing is associated with various health issues, including cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and weight gain.
By treating sleep issues effectively, you’re not just improving your sleep now—you’re investing in your long-term health and quality of life.
Partner with Us at Airway Dental and More for Your Airway Health
Sleep-disordered breathing can significantly impact your health and daily life, but effective treatment can minimize or even reverse these effects. At Airway Dental and More, Dr. Neil K. Stevenson, DMD, and our team are dedicated to providing excellence in dental care, with a focus on improving overall airway health and well-being.
We combine advanced technology with a compassionate approach to help adults achieve better sleep and improved health. Our emerging focus on adult airway issues allows us to create customized treatment plans that center around each patient’s unique needs. To learn more about how dental sleep devices can help you, contact our office at (904) 268-4466 or fill out our contact form.
