Sleep Better and Stay Healthy with Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have dangerous health consequences if left untreated. At Juban Cowen Dental Care in Baton Rouge, LA, we provide oral appliance therapy as an effective solution to help patients manage sleep apnea, improve their quality of sleep, and protect their long-term health. This comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP therapy allows many patients to breathe easier—literally and figuratively—so they can sleep better and feel their best.

Understanding the Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked or constricted during sleep, causing breathing to repeatedly stop and start. The two most common types are:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – Blockages in the airway caused by relaxed throat muscles or excess tissue.
• Central Sleep Apnea – The brain fails to send signals to the muscles controlling breathing.

OSA is the most prevalent, affecting an estimated 22 million Americans, with many cases going undiagnosed. People with untreated sleep apnea often experience fatigue, headaches, and poor concentration, but the risks extend far beyond these symptoms. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of several serious health conditions, including:

• Heart disease – Sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and arrhythmias.
• Stroke – Patients with severe sleep apnea have a greater risk of stroke.
• Type 2 diabetes – Sleep disruptions can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate insulin.
• Depression and anxiety – Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to mood disorders.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) warns that untreated sleep apnea can even increase the risk of early death. That’s why seeking effective treatment is essential for your health and well-being.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Can Improve Your Health

At Juban Cowen Dental Care, we offer oral appliance therapy as an effective and convenient solution for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. An oral appliance is a custom-fitted mouthguard-like device worn during sleep that gently repositions the jaw to keep the airway open and prevent interruptions in breathing. Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:

• Comfortable and non-invasive – The oral appliance is lightweight, portable, and designed to fit comfortably in your mouth.
• More convenient than CPAP – Unlike CPAP machines, which involve masks, hoses, and electricity, oral appliances are easy to use and require minimal upkeep.
• Improves compliance – Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable than CPAP therapy, which leads to better long-term compliance and improved health outcomes.

A 2019 study published in the journal Chest found that patients who used oral appliances consistently experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and reduced daytime fatigue. This therapy has become a preferred choice for those seeking an effective alternative to CPAP.

A Convenient Solution for a Better Life

For many patients, CPAP therapy can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, making it hard to stay compliant with treatment. In contrast, oral appliance therapy offers a simpler, less obtrusive solution that promotes better sleep and improved health without the challenges associated with CPAP machines.

If you or a loved one is struggling with sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Juban Cowen Dental Care, we are committed to helping our patients sleep better, stay healthy, and feel their best. Contact us today at our dental center in Baton Rouge to schedule a consultation and learn how oral appliance therapy can improve your sleep and your life!