Colorado Springs, CO, dentist helps patients with sleep apnea

We all know that sleep is essential. But many adults underestimate just how important quality sleep can be. A good night’s sleep does more than keep you from asking your favorite barista for an extra shot of espresso or arguing with your significant other; it leads to better health, better stress management, and better emotional well-being. How good can you feel if your body and mind never have a chance to rest? Dr. Chris Brady is a trusted dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, who helps many patients with sleep apnea get a better night’s rest.

Further, Dr. Brady will receive Diplomate status from the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA) this coming July at their Sleep and Wellness Conference. He is also a guest lecturer with the BreathEZ System and is Vivos Certified and Healthy Start Certified, which adds to his credentials that help him maintain high standards when treating his patients.

Sleep troubles may be caused by breathing disorders

Many patients with sleep apnea often wake up feeling as though they haven’t slept at all, and their spouses or partners also report annoyance over snoring or frequent tossing and turning. If this sounds familiar, or if you’re waking up feeling tired and groggy, with a dry throat, gasping for air, or if you have frequent headaches in the mornings, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. 

What is sleep apnea? 

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes frequent breaks in breathing that last for 10 seconds or longer and occur up to 90 times each hour. The condition can occur in patients of any gender, age, or race. However, males, individuals who are overweight, and those over the age of 40 are at greater risk. Sleep apnea should not be taken lightly. During a sleep apnea episode, oxygen is restricted from the brain, which can lead to heart failure, hypertension, or stroke. 

Treatment for sleep apnea

Patients who seek medical help for sleep apnea are often prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. The CPAP machine is effective when used as it pushes airflow into the mouth and body. However, many patients find it to be bulky, uncomfortable, irritating, or even makes them feel claustrophobic, and then they don’t wear it. 

However, Dr. Brady can help patients with a less invasive treatment to help with sleep apnea. Instead of having a treatment appliance that is awkward and frustrating to use, or worse, sits on the nightstand, Dr. Brady can instead prescribe oral appliance therapy to help you lessen the sleep apnea episodes and sleep soundly again. These oral appliances are similar to mouth guards commonly worn by athletes. They are used to shift the jaw and allow the patient to breathe better independently. They can also be used for patients who are troubled with frequent snoring.  

While sleeping with an oral appliance may take time to get used to, know that Dr. Brady and the team will fit patients with a custom oral appliance to make sure it’s as comfortable as possible. Most patients find that it only takes a couple of nights before they’re resting much better without the interruptions of sleep apnea. 

About Sleep Breathing Disorders

Additionally, Dr. Brady notes that Sleep Disorder Breathing is often caused by underdeveloped jaws and/or incorrect orthodontics, which results in narrow dental arches and a small airway causing low brain oxygen levels both day and night. Simply moving the jaw forward does not offer permanent solution. Appliances that painlessly increase the size of the jaws offer a more permanent solution to these maladies. Helping children grow properly in their early years (as early as age 3) can prevent narrow arches and underdeveloped airways. Left untreated, low oxygen levels can result in ADHD and other behavior issues as the child grows. Further, early treatment can oftentimes prevent or reduce the need for braces. Crowded teeth and mouth breathing are two very common symptoms that the breathing system is not working well.

Schedule an appointment today

If you’re not resting well and you think sleep apnea could be the cause, call Dental Health and Wellness today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Brady will help you understand if sleep apnea is genuinely the cause of your lack of sleep and help you find the best solution.  

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