What to expect
Snoring happens when you are sleeping and trying to bring air into your airway that has a certain amount of blockage in it. With sleep apnea, the airway is becomes completely closed allowing no air to pass through for 10 seconds or more, and depriving your body of oxygen. The way the oral device treats this problem, is by supporting your lower jaw slightly forward to prevent the muscles in your throat from collapsing, allowing you to breathe unobstructed.
Where do I start?
The first thing to do is to consult Dr. Sever about your sleeping situation. If you have been diagnosed or suspect that you may have a breathing/sleeping disorder, Dr. Sever will review all your treatment options. She can provide you with a take home sleep study device that can better measure your sleep activity. A board-certified sleep physician will review and interpret the findings of your sleep study.
The home sleep test is a convenient way to record sleep and breathing and is a wireless, easy to use device.
Our office works closely with the physicians and sleep professionals to help provide the best treatment outcome.
If you’re a candidate for an oral appliance as a treatment option, Dr. Sever and her team will create a mold of your teeth, and provide a custom fitted device. Upon receiving the device, we will work to further fit the device to your comfort before sending you home with it.
In the beginning, it may feel odd to sleep with something in your mouth, but most patients adapt quickly and see improvements in their sleep quality soon!
Once you’re home with your oral device, Dr. Sever will continue to monitor your sleeping situation. She will provide or recommend a sleep test to verify that the oral appliance is allowing you to breathe fully and sleep soundly. Based on your results Dr. Sever may adjust the appliance in order to provide maximum effectiveness and benefit to you. Dr. Sever will work closely with your sleep physician or your primary care doctor to ensure the best treatment.
