Snoring Appliances by Houston’s Best Dentist
Approximately 25% of the population snores at some time during sleeping. Although this habit can be annoying for others it is rarely disrupting to the snorer. However, 20-25% of people that snore suffer from a disorder known as Sleep Apnea. This is a life-threatening Sleep Disorder where the snorer stops breathing due to obstruction of the airway. If your snoring causes you to awake suddenly you could be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Sleep Apnea occurs in all age groups and in both sexes, but is more common in men. Because of the disturbances in their sleep patterns, people with Sleep Apnea often feel very sleepy during the day and their concentration and daytime performance may suffer. The consequences of this disorder range from annoying to life-threatening. They include depression, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning and memory difficulties, falling asleep during the day, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
The traditional Sleep Apnea treatment has been a radical surgical procedure called a uvulopalatopharnygoplasty (UPPP) or the use of a breathing aid known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Both treatments have had limited success. However, the Comprehensive Dental Group of Houston offers an alternative treatment that is fabricated in the office. The appliance is 98% effective in preventing snoring and is the only one that is adjustable. It is called the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP). It takes just two short visits to have the appliance made. For more information about the TAP please call the Comprehensive Dental Group of Houston, made up of Houston’s Cosmetic Dentists.
