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Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for an extended period of time during sleep. Sleep apnea can affect your health and quality of life. When sleep apnea is suspected, the dentist in Fort Collins refers patients to their primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a sleep study. The sleep test will show whether a patient has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or another form of disordered breathing during sleep. If obstructive sleep apnea is confirmed, the 80525 dentist can recommend sleep appliances Fort collins to treat the disorder and improve patient health.

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the soft tissues of the airway relaxing too much and blocking the windpipe. This blocks your ability to breathe while you sleep. An oral appliance repositions your jaw to help open the airway and prevent it from collapsing when you breathe in. This reduces the amount of obstructions you have while sleeping, so you can breathe easier at night.

Sleep Appliances Fort Collins

An oral appliance can help treat mild-to-moderate sleep apnea by keeping your airway open while you sleep. Most are custom-fitted to your mouth and work by shifting your lower jaw or tongue forward, which helps maintain an open airway.

There are two main types available: mandibular advancement devices and tongue-retaining devices. Our best dentist Fort Collins can help you determine which is best for you, although there are certain factors they take into consideration, including your health history, anatomy, and more.

Mandibular advancement devices look like mouth guards and help advance your tongue and/or jaw forward to open your airway. They can also help align your bite and prevent teeth grinding. Tongue retaining devices are similar to orthodontic retainers and help keep your tongue from blocking your airway.

Many patients find these devices very helpful when dealing with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. In fact, one study found that using a mandibular advancement device was more successful than CPAP therapy in reducing sleep apnea symptoms and improving quality of life. However, these appliances may not work for everyone, and it is important to talk to the best dentist in Fort Collins CO, about the best option for you. If you’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are looking for sleep appliances Fort Collins, contact Harbor Dental now.

To find out more about sleep appliances Fort Collins offers at Harbor Dental, call (970) 377-2456 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 2726 Illinois Dr. #101, Fort Collins, CO 80525. We look forward to seeing you soon.