Sleep Apnea & Dental Sleep Appliances
Restful sleep depends on healthy breathing. Peosta Dental helps patients recognize signs of sleep-disordered breathing and provides custom oral appliance therapy for qualifying patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
Could Sleep Apnea Be Affecting You?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Common warning signs can include loud snoring, waking up gasping or choking, morning headaches, dry mouth, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and feeling unrefreshed after a full night in bed.
Diagnosis is medical. If sleep apnea is suspected, we can help coordinate the next step with a physician or sleep specialist. Once obstructive sleep apnea has been diagnosed and oral appliance therapy is appropriate, our dental team can provide and monitor a custom device.
How Dental Sleep Appliances Work
A mandibular advancement device is worn over the teeth while you sleep. It gently holds the lower jaw in a forward position, which can help maintain space in the upper airway and reduce airway collapse in appropriate patients.
Oral appliance therapy can be considered for certain adults with obstructive sleep apnea, including patients who prefer an oral appliance or have difficulty using positive airway pressure therapy, when recommended as part of their sleep treatment plan.
The Panthera X3™
For appropriate patients, Peosta Dental often recommends the Panthera X3, a custom mandibular advancement appliance manufactured by Panthera Dental. Panthera describes the X3 as a digitally produced, lightweight oral appliance made from medical-grade nylon and designed for customized advancement of the lower jaw during sleep.
Device selection depends on your diagnosis, dental health, bite, anatomy, and treatment goals. The Panthera X3 is not the right appliance for every patient.
What to Expect From Dental Sleep Appliance Therapy
Talk With Us About Dental Sleep Appliances
If you have diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, struggle with CPAP, or have symptoms that should be evaluated, our team can help you understand the next step and whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate.
Request an Appointment