How is OSA Treated?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when your muscles relax during sleep, allowing soft tissue to collapse and block your airway. This can cause you to stop breathing for anywhere from a few seconds to almost a minute at a time. These breathing pauses are followed by brief awakenings that disturb your sleep – even if you don’t realize it!

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If you are diagnosed with OSA, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. OSA treatments include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), or surgery.

CPAP therapy is a very common treatment for OSA, but OAT is also an effective treatment option. If you and your doctor decide that OAT is the best treatment option for you, your doctor will write you a prescription for a custom-made oral appliance.

Oral Appliance Therapy

OAT is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for snoring and OSA that fits easily into your lifestyle. An oral appliance looks like an orthodontic retainer and is worn only during sleep. It supports the jaw in a forward position to help keep your upper airway open, which prevents sleep apnea and snoring.

Dr. Scarberry is trained to provide OAT and can make a custom-fitted oral appliance using impressions and models of your mouth. Patients enjoy it because it’s comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable, convenient for travel and easy to clean.

Treating snoring or sleep apnea with OAT can help you feel like a new person. You will find that your symptoms - and your quality of life - can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly. Custom-fit oral appliances from Dr. Scarberry can improve your sleep, restore your alertness, and revitalize your health. If you have concerns about snoring and sleep apnea, contact us today! Our team is ready to answer your questions about Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Oral Appliance Therapy.