Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that prohibits proper breathing during sleep. While you sleep, your tongue and other parts of your throat relax and block your airway so that you cannot breathe well. This usually prevents you from getting the oxygen you need while you sleep. This often puts tremendous stress on your body and contributes to multiple health problems such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and chronic fatigue to name just a few. Most people who have sleep apnea have no idea this is happening while they sleep. One in five Americans has sleep apnea, but the majority do not realize they have it. At West Michigan CPAP Alternatives, Dr. Vandervelden partners with board-certified sleep physicians to diagnose and treat sleep apnea so you can avoid the health complications of sleep apnea.
Healthy Breathing: Good Air Flow
Sleep Apnea: Blocked Air Flow
Custom oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for many people with sleep apnea and is approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a custom made, mouthguard- like retainer while you sleep that positions the lower jaw forward to open the airway. This allows you to breathe and sleep better at night. Most people strongly prefer this over CPAP. Custom oral appliance therapy is covered by most medical insurances. Only Dentists with specialized training can provide custom oral appliance therapy. Other treatments for sleep apnea include a combination of custom oral appliance therapy with CPAP or surgery. When thinking about whether to pursue sleep apnea treatment, it is important to remember that untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences including stroke, high blood pressure, early-onset dementia, and obesity to name a few.
All of this can be confusing and overwhelming. Dr. Vandervelden partners with board-certified sleep physicians to help determine what is best for you. To improve your health and the quality of life, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Vandervelden.
A full night’s sleep for both you and your partner. Wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Experience increased concentration, memory, focus and energy.
Avoid the health risks caused by untreated sleep apnea and live a longer, healthier, more enjoyable life.