Additional Services
Sleep Apnea Appliances
Do you find you wake up tired almost every day? Or do you snore?
If so, you might benefit from using a sleep apnea appliance. Sleep apnea is a common condition that causes you to stop breathing during your sleep. Typically, symptoms include snoring, not feeling refreshed when you wake up and daytime sleepiness. Even though you stop breathing, briefly and often, you’re not usually aware of it.
Sleep apnea appliances can be a very effective way to treat sleep apnea and many people notice the difference after their first use. Sleep apnea can have a huge impact on your life. If it’s left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues.
What is it?
Sleep apnea appliances are worn during the night and work by helping to hold your jaw in a forward position to keep your airways open, allowing you to breathe normally. It also prevents loud snoring, or the disruptive waking caused by sleep apnea.
Custom-made sleep apnea appliances need to be fitted by a dentist or orthodontist. Because they are individually fitted for you, they are comfortable and easy to wear. Unlike other sleep apnea solutions such as CPAP machines, they are very portable and easy to care for.
You need to know
Appointments
- At least 2 appointments
- At the first consultation visit your dentist will talk to you about the treatment, benefits, potential risks, and answer any questions you may have
- Your dentist will do a full examination of your mouth, teeth, jaw, tongue and airway. They may also take x-rays
- At the second visit your custom-made appliance will be fitted
- To get the best performance from your appliance you will need regular follow-up dentist appointments in our dental clinic in Vancouver
- Your dentist may need to adjust your appliance at these visits
How long does it take?
- It will usually take a couple of weeks for your appliance to be custom-made
- The first consultation visit will usually take about an hour
- The second visit, including fitting your appliance, will usually take around 1 hour
- Follow up appointments will usually take around 15 to 30 minutes
You may be asked about
- Your dental history and medical history
- The problems you are experiencing from sleep apnea or another sleep condition