Sleep apnea treatment in Belchertown, MA

What Is Sleep Apnea?

It is a sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing is interrupted while sleeping, which can limit the amount of oxygen your body receives. Although it can occur at any age, people over the age of 40 are more likely to be affected.

What Sleep Apnea Symptoms Should I Be Aware of?

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud/frequent snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Feeling sleepy during the day
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

Sleep Apnea Causes

When you’re awake, your throat muscles are stiff, promoting the flow of air into your lungs. When sleeping, the muscles become relaxed, which can narrow your throat and obstruct airflow. These factors may also increase your risk:

• Being overweight
• Male gender
• A family history of the condition
• Having a neck size greater than 16 inches

How to Treat Sleep Apnea

For mild cases of this sleeping disorder, making small lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and sleeping on your side, may be helpful. Dental appliances are a very common treatment option and can also provide relief from symptoms like paused breathing and snoring by repositioning your jaw and tongue. For more advanced cases, surgery may be required. If you have sleep apnea in Belchertown, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We will evaluate the severity of your symptoms and determine if you can benefit from a custom-made oral appliance.

Dental Appliance

What Is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

A sleep apnea mouthpiece is very similar to an orthodontic retainer or a mouth guard you might wear when playing sports. It is only worn while you are sleeping and works by gently keeping your jaw in a forward position. This helps to expand your airway, minimizing interrupted breathing and other symptoms associated with sleep apnea.

How Much Does an Oral Appliance Cost?

The cost of your oral appliance depends on the type of device you have and if you have medical insurance. Please contact our office for more information about the cost of your sleep apnea mouthpiece.

What Are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy Treatment (OAT)?

Oral appliance therapy offers many benefits that can improve your sleep quality and health. Many of our patients receiving oral appliance therapy treatment enjoy the ease of use associated with their appliance and that it’s easy to care for. Unlike other treatments for sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is portable and convenient for travel. An additional benefit of oral appliance therapy is that it’s a non-invasive treatment option that can improve your symptoms without the need for surgery. To learn more about how you can benefit from oral appliance therapy, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Most insurance companies will cover some or all of the costs associated with your oral appliance. Contact your insurance provider for information regarding the cost of your oral appliance for sleep apnea in Belchertown.