Patients suffering from sleep apnea often think that CPAP systems are the only treatment option available to them. However, a visit to the sleep dentist may offer you a valid alternative – oral appliance therapy. Not all oral appliances are the same, and a skilled sleep dentist will help you find the right one for you. Narval oral appliances are some of the most popular oral appliances available. Keep reading to find out more, and reach out to a trusted sleep dentist to learn more about the available oral appliances.
What is Sleep Apnea & How Do Oral Appliance Help?
Sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing for ten or more seconds at a time during sleep. The most common form of this sleep disorder occurs due to a physical obstruction of the airway during sleep. For patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances can provide safe, effective treatment. An oral appliance moves the jaw forward, keeping the airway clear during sleep.
What is the Narval Sleep Apnea Appliance?
The Narval sleep apnea appliance provides the same basic treatment as other oral appliances. It shifts the jaw forward slightly to place pressure on the throat muscles and hold the airway open during sleep. Other sleep apnea appliances are made from heavy materials that can irritate the soft tissue and cause patients to sleep with their mouths open at night. They also inhibit the patients’ ability to speak and prevent patients from drinking. The Narval appliance offers improved comfort compared with other appliances. The Narval sleep apnea appliance is made from a light weight material and they are custom fitted to conform to the patient’s unique smile. The low profile appliance does not irritate the soft tissue around the mouth like other appliances that stick out further from the teeth, and they allow you to completely close your mouth, speak, and drink.
Meet Dr. Marks
At the State College office of Donald M. Marks, DMD, we offer a wide range of sleep apnea therapy using oral appliances and combined CPAP and oral appliance therapies. At State College Dental Sleep Medicine, we are happy to partner with patients to achieve a complete night’s sleep and wake feeling rested. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are considered CPAP intolerant, contact Dr. Marks and his State College team to schedule your sleep apnea treatment consultation. We’ll be happy to assess your situation and help you find the best treatment for your unique situation.