Custom Oral Appliance Therapy Provides Relief For Chicago Insomnia Patients With Sleep Apnea

By Kurt Saniel


People who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep suffer with a sleep disorder known as insomnia. This condition results in feeling tired the next day and impaired mental focus. For some individuals, this disorder is caused by sleep apnea, which interrupts normal breathing and wakes them up. Many Chicago insomnia sufferers find that custom oral appliance therapy can help them sleep through the night.

The oral appliances used in this method of dealing with a sleep disorder are devices made of plastic. They fit into the mouth similar to a retainer or mouth guard. These devices allow the individual to breathe throughout the night.

These appliances work by repositioning the soft tissues in the back of the throat, the tongue, and the lower jaw. At the same time, they hold the tongue and jaw in a fixed position. This allows air to flow and eliminates any airway obstructions.

Specially trained dental professionals must evaluate a patient's needs to select the right oral appliance. Patients receive a device made especially for them. For some, this process may require several weeks to complete.

Patients require ongoing care even after they start wearing the device. The dental professional will schedule numerous follow up visits to evaluate the response to the therapy. These appointments are also necessary for evaluating the device's condition and making any necessary adjustments if the individual is uncomfortable while wearing it.

Dental appliances are simple to use and most people need only a couple of weeks to adapt to wearing them. Their small size makes them convenient for travel. Unlike other medical therapies, using these appliances is non-invasive and reversible if the results are not satisfactory. For some patients, use of the appliance may be combined with other therapies, for better results.




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