“I feel like myself again!” After a week of wearing an oral appliance

glancer(As seen in Naperville Glancer, April 2013 edition)

“I feel like myself again!” a patient happily blurted out at a recent visit to our practice. Was she talking about a recent smile makeover? Or possibly a re-energized feeling from a new exercise program? Maybe a new healthy eating plan has rejuvenated her? No, she was able to sleep well again, for the first time in over a decade!

Knowing she had snoring issues, Elaine was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder that caused pausing or dips in breathing throughout the night during sleep.  In many cases sleep apnea can cause restless sleep, poor quality of sleep and an entire list of other problems such as:

  • Lack of energy
  • Lock of focus
  • Depression-like symptoms
  • Weight gain
  • High blood pressure
  • Personality changes
  • Increase the chance of stroke and heart attacks

Unfortunately, Elaine could not get accustomed to wearing an air pressure device (CPAP) that is often used to treat OSA patients.  Years of not treating her condition took a real toll on her emotional well-being. She never felt rested, and often even depressed.

Luckily her physician referred her to us, for the treatment of oral appliance therapy, a CPAP alternative. An oral appliance proved to be a success for her.  In as little as a week after wearing an oral appliance, she was able to sleep well for the first time in years. 

And soon afterwards, she notices how much better she felt throughout the day.

Whether it be snoring, obstructive sleep apnea a, or one of the many other sleeping disorders, lack of good quality of sleep can have devastating effect. If you are interested in regaining your ‘youthful’ self-back and sleep well again, discuss your symptoms with your physician. It may lead to a youthful, more energetic you!

Smart Sleep Tip: Finding a Doctor through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)

First of all, when our patients come to us, we have to make sure that their snoring is not something more serious like a disorder that is called obstructive sleep apnea. With obstructive sleep apnea, a person stops or pauses breathing up to hundreds of times per hour during sleep which can lead to many other health problems.

Very often, we will refer our patients to their physicians to get evaluated. If you do not have a current physician, or if you are looking for someone specialized in sleep medicine, visit the website of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) to find a physician in your area knowledgeable in sleep disorders.

Our smart sleep tip of the day: if you are interested in finding out if your snoring is more serious such as with .obstructive sleep apnea, talk to your physician or find a physician through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

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What are the Most Common Side Effects That Can Occur From Anti-Snoring Mouth Devices?

It is very common to experience side effects from oral devices for snoring, especially in the first few weeks of use.  Some of the more common side effects include:

  • Increased drooling and /or dry mouth
  • Short term slight to moderate discomfort in the jaw and the teeth
  • Minor shifting or movement of the teeth.

These symptoms are usually short lived and resolve themselves after a few weeks.  However it is essential to have a dental professional trained in dental sleep medicine observe these side effects and manage your home care.

Morning retainers can help prevent potential side effects of tooth movement or shifting and help prevent jaw movement.

One of the biggest concerns of media based oral devices is that there is no professional instruction available. Patients that are wearing these devices have the potential of long lasting side effects and no professional follow-up.

Although some of the internet obtained devices such as Pure Sleep may have some marginal effects for some people, it is important to note that as little as a few weeks we see lisping and tooth movement in some individuals.  Unfortunately, waiting to long to evaluate possible tooth movements can lead for the need of orthodontics (braces) to reverse.

For more information on side effects, please visit our audio podcasts on the dangers of media based oral devices as we interview Dr. Gale Demko, a sleep apnea expert as well as a consultant for the FDA.

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. We are extremely passionate in helping individuals that have been struggling with CPAP therapy in Naperville, Wheaton, Aurora, Bolingbrook and surrounding Chicago suburbs. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option call us at (630)369-5508.

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Thinking About Trying a Puresleep Mouth Device for Your Snoring? Think Again!

Think Again about over-the-counter anti snoring devicesYou may be desperately searching for a snoring solution. Media advertised stop snoring mouth devices such as Puresleep and many other similar retainers may seem like the answer to your prayers. But, here are some important facts to be aware of  that may not only save dental funds, on a greater scale may add years to your life!

  • If you are snoring often, you should have your snoring evaluated by a professional knowledgeable in sleep medicine.
  • If your medical provider says, “everyone snores” and doesn’t see the importance of an evaluation, consider finding someone trained through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
  • People who snore regularly often have a serious sleep condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Devices purchased though mail order media sites can put people at risk by ‘hiding’ apnea while reducing snoring levels.  Dangerous oxygen dips during sleep may still be occurring.
  • Many of these ‘mail ordered’ devices can create quite serious side effects like dislodgements of dental work, loosening of teeth, and teeth shifting to the point of even lisping.

Several months ago, I examined a new patient that had been using a Puresleep mouth device. The patient was suffering from mild obstructive sleep apnea and was originally recommended the CPAP device. Since his diagnosis was mild OSA, he decided to get a Puresleep mouth device as a short-term option. The device worked with marginal results, and eventually the patient found us to see if further similar treatment could improve results.

Upon examination and discussion with this new patient, the patient found some concern. He now noticed himself lisping during speech. At times, this side effect can be corrected with stopping using the device, other times braces (orthodontics) may be needed to get the bite back to normal, often a costly expense.

Next time, when searching for a snoring cure, consider seeking help from a trained dentist in dental sleep medicine. These dentists work with professional devices that are custom made. A trained dental professional can help prevent or manage potential side affects that can occur with professional oral appliance therapy. For snoring in the absence of apnea, these devices are extremely effective.  For those snoring with apnea, they work in the majority of cases.

Dr. Gail Demko

 

For more information on the dangers of mail order anti-snoring devices, see my interview with sleep expert Dr. Gail Demko. www.tiredofsnoring.com/2012/05/the-dangers-of-over-the-counter-anti-snoring-devices/

 

Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of oral appliance therapy for over 15 years successfully. We are extremely passionate in helping individuals that have been struggling with CPAP therapy in Naperville, Wheaton, Aurora, Bolingbrook and surrounding Chicago suburbs. For more information on this physician recommended treatment option, visit www.TiredOfSnoring.com or call us at (630)369-5508.

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DENTAL SLEEP AND TMD CENTER OF ILLINOIS

1100 SHERMAN AVE., SUITE 103 | NAPERVILLE, IL | PHONE: 630.369.5508