Sleep Aids
We offer several different oral appliances that help people who struggle with sleep apnea and snoring. Among the appliances we offer are: Silent Nite, Myerson EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement), and Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP).
Silent Nite
photo credited from www.glidewelldental.com
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
This occurs when the airway completely collapses blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person. Unconsciously, he/she will close the jaw returning the tongue and throat to a normal position. The sleep apnea cycle- falling asleep, jaw relaxing, airway collapsing, unconsciously awakening with a gasp, falling back asleep- can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour during the night. With a blocked air passage one does not receive enough oxygen. Both the awakening and oxygen deprivation can then trigger other health problems. OSA afflicts over 40 million Americans. Untreated, OSA can lead to heart problems, strokes, and excessive daytime sleepiness. More people are killed by sleepy drivers than by drunk drivers.
Snoring
At least 80 million Americans snore (a sign of restricted airflow and impeded breathing during sleeping), which can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, cause a higher rate of headaches, adversely affect the sleep quality of the snorer’s bed partner, and diminish the overall quality of life. It can be a “red flag” for a much more serious and sometimes fatal condition called obstructive sleep apnea.
Treatment of OSA and Snoring
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) now recommends oral appliances as a front line of treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Myerson EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement)
photo credited from www.glidewelldental.com
The Treatment Protocol is as follows:
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Patient Assessment:
Complete patient history questionnaire with questions such as:
Do you snore?
Are you constantly tired?
Do you find yourself nodding off?
Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep?
Are you being treated for hypertension (high blood pressure)?
Dr. McCarley will examine the contours of your teeth and evaluate your biting motion to determine which brand and type of oral appliance would be best for you.
- Impressions and Bite Registration for making the oral appliance
- Delivery of oral appliance to the patient
- Patient follow-up and adjustments as needed
If you find yourself constantly tired, and suspect that you snore or have sleep apnea, make an appointment with Dr. McCarley today so you can be on the road to sleeping better and more restfully, and have a healthier, more productive life!
Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP)
photo credited from www.glidewelldental.com
We’re Here to Care for You
Come and experience rewarding dental care in a relaxing setting. For quality restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, call us and schedule your appointment today. Our McKinney dental office is convenient to patients from McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Melissa, Anna, Fairview, and the surrounding communities. At Dr. McCarley’s dental practice, it's all about you.
