The most common treatment option for sleep apnea used to be a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. This machine uses a mask and a pump to gently pump air into the lungs and throat, preventing soft tissues from “sagging” and blocking the airway.
However, CPAP machines require power, and are sometimes uncomfortable and cannot be worn by side sleepers or stomach sleepers.
For this reason, the “oral appliance” is becoming popular for patients with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Similar in shape to a retainer or mouthguard, an oral appliance is built by a qualified dentist like Dr. Green, and it shifts the jaw muscles and tissue to prevent airway obstruction.
Surgery may be needed in some cases, but this is extremely rare, and required only in the most severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
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