Sleep Apnea Treatment in Airdrie
At Blunston Dental Group in Airdrie, Alberta, we provide treatment for both children and adults experiencing sleep breathing disorders such as sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Are you tired of waking up feeling tired? Do you snore, or wake up gasping or choking for air? These are just a few of the symptoms you may experience if you suffer from sleep apnea, airway resistance and snoring. Sleep apnea occurs when you have short pauses in your breathing while you sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is when your airway collapses or becomes blocked. The causes of sleep apnea vary. If you think you have sleep apnea, see a medical physician for diagnosis.
Can children be at risk for sleep apnea?
In some cases, children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids may experience symptoms of sleep apnea. If you think your child has sleep apnea, see a medical physician for diagnosis.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Oral Appliance Therapy is a safe, effective, and medically supported treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), and chronic snoring. This treatment involves a detailed evaluation, a custom-made oral device, and at-home sleep testing to ensure it’s working properly.
Sleep apnea and snoring happen when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, usually due to relaxed muscles in the tongue and throat that collapse and obstruct airflow. Oral appliances gently reposition the jaw and help keep the airway open, allowing for normal breathing throughout the night.
How Appliances for Sleep Apnea Can Help
Oral appliances for sleep apnea and snoring are small, comfortable, and easy to use, especially compared to CPAP machines or surgical options. They’re designed to fit your mouth precisely and look similar to a mouthguard — but they’re specifically made to treat sleep-related breathing issues.
For many people, an oral appliance alone can provide significant or complete relief from sleep apnea and snoring. In some cases, a combined approach with other therapies may be recommended, depending on your unique needs. Orofacial myofunctional therapy, which involves a series of both face and jaw exercises, can also be used as an adjunctive therapy to strengthen the muscles of the tongue and throat. This essentially helps prevent the airway from collapsing and ensures the tongue stays forward against the palate—offering patients better oxygenation and deeper sleep.
What do I do if me or my child is diagnosed with sleep apnea?
If recommended to a dental professional, book a consultation with Dr. Blunston to see if a dental device may help with your diagnosed condition.
Buteyko Breathing
If you or your child experience trouble breathing leading to issues with sleep, ask us about the Buteyko Breathing technique.