Sleep Apnea Treatment in Virginia Beach, VA

What is Sleep Apnea and Why is it a Problem?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that is characterized by interrupted breathing and snoring while sleeping. This limits the amount of oxygen your body receives, lowering your sleep quality and causing drowsiness throughout the day. This disorder can occur at any age, though it is more common among people over 40.

What Sleep Apnea Symptoms Are There?

If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, it may be time to schedule a visit with one of our dentists:

• Frequent snoring that disturbs your or your partner’s sleep
• Short pauses in breathing while sleeping
• Choking or gasping for air while asleep
• Headache, sore throat, or dry mouth when you awaken
• Feeling drowsy during the day

What Usually Causes Apnea?

During waking hours, the muscles of the throat remain stiff, allowing air to flow into the lungs. However, these muscles often relax when you’re asleep, narrowing your throat and hindering airflow. Other sleep apnea causes include:

• Obesity
• Male gender
• Genetic background
• A neck size over 16 inches

What Sleep Apnea Treatment is Available?

If your sleep apnea case is mild, making lifestyle changes, like losing weight and learning to sleep on your side, may help the condition. Sleeping with a sleep apnea mouth guard is another effective way of resolving symptoms. These appliances keep the jaw and tongue in a forward position, allowing air to flow freely as you sleep. In severe cases, surgery may be required to eliminate airway obstruction. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea in Virginia Beach, contact our office. We’ll determine the severity of your case and find a treatment option that meets your needs.

Oral Appliances

What is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

Similar to an orthodontic retainer or a mouthguard used for sports, an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Virginia Beach is a custom-made dental device. These appliances are only worn while sleeping and are used to gently keep your jaw forward. This expands your airway, minimizing breathing disruption and other apnea symptoms.

How Much Do Oral Appliances Cost for Dental Patients?

The cost of a dental appliance depends on the type of device selected and whether you have insurance. During your appointment, one of our dentists will recommend the proper course of treatment and provide an estimate of the anticipated charges.

Why Should I Get Oral Appliance Therapy?

Improving your sleep with oral appliance therapy offers many benefits. Oral appliances are easy to use and clean, and unlike other methods of apnea treatment, they’re completely portable. Therapy with an oral appliance is non-invasive and can often help you improve your sleep quality without surgery. If you’d like to learn more about the advantages of oral appliance therapy, please contact our office.

Will My Insurance Cover an Oral Appliance?

A sleep apnea mouthpiece often is considered medically necessary and should be covered by most insurance companies. However, the amount of coverage will vary depending on your plan. Talk with your provider when considering oral appliance therapy to see what options are available. You can also give our office a call. One of our friendly staff members will be happy to answer your insurance questions.