Sleep should leave you feeling refreshed and ready to start the day, but for many adults, nights are marked by disrupted breathing that goes unnoticed yet affects every aspect of daily life. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is a condition where breathing becomes very shallow or completely stops during sleep. At Innova Orthodontics in Port Coquitlam, we believe it is essential for our community to understand what OSA is, its health impacts, and how modern oral appliance therapy can support treatment plans recommended by your physician.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, often because the airway muscles fail to keep the passage open or because structural factors create a narrower airway. This blockage reduces airflow to the lungs, depriving the body and brain of oxygen. To compensate, the brain wakes the body to restore breathing, often with a gasp, snort, or sudden body movement, before falling back asleep. This cycle can happen repeatedly, sometimes almost every minute throughout the night.
People with OSA may not even realize they are waking up so frequently, but these interruptions lead to fragmented, low-quality sleep. Over time, this can result in excessive daytime tiredness, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and even behavioral concerns. Untreated OSA is also linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, memory problems, and headaches, significantly affecting health and well-being.
Recognizing the Impact of OSA on Daily Life
It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults in North America has mild OSA, while 1 in 15 has a moderate condition. This makes OSA a common but often undiagnosed issue. Beyond daytime sleepiness and headaches, OSA has been associated with chronic craniofacial pain and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Studies have shown that between 30 to 70 percent of OSA patients experience headaches, and while there is no general population link between OSA and migraines, treating OSA can improve migraine symptoms in patients who suffer from both conditions.
These connections show that OSA is not just a nighttime problem. It can influence energy levels, emotional health, and even increase the risk of accidents due to daytime drowsiness, highlighting the importance of seeking treatment once OSA is diagnosed.
How Is OSA Treated?
Once a physician diagnoses OSA, the treatment plan may include one of two primary therapies:
1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This therapy uses a machine to deliver a constant stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep.
2. Oral Appliance Therapy (OA): For patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy or prefer an alternative, oral appliances offer a proven, comfortable solution for treating mild to moderate OSA and snoring.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
Oral appliances are custom-made devices, similar in size to a mouthguard, that gently reposition the lower jaw forward during sleep. This helps keep the airway open by increasing airway space, stabilizing the jaw, and advancing the tongue. The appliance is worn nightly to be effective and is custom-crafted based on detailed impressions of your teeth and mouth to ensure a precise, comfortable fit.
Patients find oral appliances easy to use and travel-friendly since they do not require power. Studies have shown that 92 percent of patients using oral appliances report significant improvement or elimination of snoring, and many find relief from symptoms of mild to moderate OSA, leading to more restful nights and more energetic days.
The Role of Your Dental Team in OSA Treatment
It is important to note that the use of an oral appliance for OSA should be recommended by your physician as part of your overall treatment plan. Once referred, the team at Innova Orthodontics works in collaboration with your healthcare providers to deliver personalized oral appliance therapy, ensuring your device is custom-made to suit your specific needs and lifestyle.
Our experienced team in Port Coquitlam is dedicated to supporting your health and comfort throughout this process, answering your questions, ensuring your appliance fits well, and making adjustments if needed for optimal effectiveness.
Orthodontist in Coquitlam
Ready to explore how oral appliance therapy can support your physician’s treatment plan for OSA and improve your sleep quality? Contact Innova Orthodontics for personalized guidance, a comfortable treatment experience, and trusted care from Port Coquitlam’s orthodontic team.
