Do you wake up feeling like you did not get a good night’s sleep?
The term apnea means “no breath”. In a percentage of people the relaxation of the muscles during sleep can allow the structures of the nose and mouth to fall backwards against the back wall of the throat. This can cause constriction of the airway. Snoring is the noise made when there is a partial obstruction of the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea is repeated pauses or reductions in breathing for short intervals due to this type of constriction.
Healthy Smile offers custom-fitted acrylic oral appliances such as SHIMS II for selected patients with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance positions the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open so air can pass through the throat. Diagnosis and treatment planning are important; an oral appliance is not the right treatment for everyone.
The original SHIMS II design also accommodates some dentist-directed oral treatments, including whitening. Ask the office whether your particular appliance is suitable before adding any whitening product or medication, and follow the instructions you are given.
If you wake feeling unrefreshed or are interested in an oral appliance, contact our office to discuss evaluation and treatment options.
Whether this fits you depends on an exam. Bring your questions to any visit, and see insurance and payment for cost questions.