Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that obstructs your airway while you sleep, constantly interrupting your breathing and causing you to wake up throughout the night. This is a serious condition that can lead to long-term health consequences without treatment. Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize they have sleep apnea until they take a sleep test.
If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Often, the first solution a doctor will recommend is a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. When you use this device overnight, it pumps a steady flow of air into your mouth, forcing your airway to remain open and allowing you to breathe normally.
Comfortable Alternatives to CPAP
Though it can be an effective treatment, many patients find their CPAP machine is too bulky and uncomfortable to sleep with. As a result, they end up not using it consistently and negating the positive effects.
For patients who are looking for an alternative solution, Dr. Shlafer is happy to offer a mandibular adjustment device (MAD). These devices gently shift your jaw forward, keeping your airway open and preventing your tongue from collapsing and blocking airflow. All of our oral appliances are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably and improve your sleep.
The Benefits of an Oral Appliance
Oral appliances offer several benefits over CPAP and other sleep apnea treatments, including:
- More comfortable
- Less invasive
- Easily portable
- Affordable
- No surgery required
Visit Dr. Shlafer for a Custom Oral Appliance
Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea or you’ve been struggling with your CPAP machine for years, Dr. Shlafer can help you get the restorative rest you need with a comfortable oral appliance.
Contact our practice in Farmington Hills today to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Shlafer.