Sleep Apnea Appliances & Mouth Guards in Frisco, TX

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by frequent stops in breathing while a person sleeps, which happens when the muscles located in the back of the throat relax and collapse, blocking the airways. This often results in a brief period of suffocation that can cause immense stress on the brain and body, as well as heart conditions, memory loss, weight gain, and other health problems. Even though CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is typically recommended to address sleep apnea, there are several patients who don't respond well to this treatment and may seek alternative solutions. At Zensmiles in Frisco, TX, board-certified dentist Dr. Mohit Shardha crafts customized dental appliances to help address the effects of sleep apnea and minimize snoring while you sleep. To find out if you qualify for an easy and effective dental solution for sleep apnea, get in touch with our office.

People with severe sleep apnea may not be eligible to receive a dental solution for their condition. For these patients, CPAP therapy may be their best option. However, for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, certain dental appliances may be useful when it comes to reducing snoring and minimizing the effects of the condition. Signs to look out for if you think you may have sleep apnea include:

• weight gain
• dry mouth or headaches upon waking up
• loud snoring or gasping while you sleep
• impaired memory
• feeling excessively groggy or fatigued throughout the day
• insomnia
• irritability or mood swings

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to seek out care immediately.

Sleep apnea treatments at Zensmiles fall into a category called oral appliance therapy (OAT). At our Frisco, TX office, Dr. Shardha fits patients with custom-made mandibular advancement devices (MAD) and mouth guards, which are designed to be worn in your mouth while you sleep. These devices work to gently push the lower jaw into a forward position to keep the airways open at night. In order to create your customized oral appliance, we'll take digital impressions of your mouth and send them to a special dental lab. When your device comes in, we'll call you back to our office for a fitting.

Obstructive sleep apnea can cause a host of issues with not only your nightly breathing but also your overall health and wellness, and the condition can often leave you feeling tired, groggy, and unfocused throughout your day. If you've been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and would like a solution besides CPAP therapy, reach out to Zensmiles in Frisco, TX to find out if you're a candidate for oral appliance therapy.