Orthodontists’ Orthotic Appliance May Be the Simple Solution for A Better Night’s Sleep
Take This Snore Score™ Sleep Test
(Issued Winter 2017) —
Do you wake up tired even though you feel like you slept through the night? Are you cranky for no apparent reason? Do others complain that your snoring keeps them up all night?
You might be one of the estimated 20 million Americans with sleep apnea, a disorder in which a person stops breathing periodically throughout the night due to airway obstructions. Most people with sleep apnea aren’t aware of it.
Dr. Andrew Chase and his team at ARCH Orthodontics (www.archorthodontics.com) perform assessments to determine evaluation candidates. Treatment options and the appropriate choice depends on the severity of one’s apnea. There’s a fee to examine and treat for sleep apnea, generally not covered by insurance.
Although the most common sleep apnea therapy is via CPAP (pronounced see-pap), Dr. Chase says, “Some patients may benefit from a simpler, less expensive, more comfortable treatment: a dental orthotic appliance.” A custom mouth guard holds the jaw in a forward position, decreasing the likelihood of the tongue blocking the airway.
A family doctor, cardiologist or pulmonologist can prescribe a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. Since 25-50% of patients don’t regularly use their CPAP because they can’t tolerate CPAP pressure, to increase compliance and effectiveness, some doctors prescribe combining CPAP with oral appliance therapy. Left untreated, sleep apnea doesn’t only ruin a night’s sleep; it can lead to workplace or motor vehicle accidents, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, increased risk of diabetes — even death.
Dr. Chase says even if you think you don’t snore, it’s possible you do have sleep issues. Take this Snore Score™ test.
If you answer ‘yes’ to any 2 of 6 questions, have a professional evaluation:
- Are you a loud and/or regular snorer?
- Have you ever been observed to gasp or stop breathing during sleep?
- Do you feel tired or groggy upon awakening, or do you awaken with a headache?
- Are you often tired or fatigued during waking hours?
- Do you fall asleep sitting, reading, watching TV or driving?
- Do you often have problems with memory or concentration?
ARCH, Official Orthodontist of Miss Massachusetts, has seven offices south of Boston and two on Cape Cod. To schedule a free consultation: (781) 209-6776. No-interest financing is available.
– By Stanley Hurwitz / (508) 269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com
