What Are Sleep Appliances?
Our sleep appliances in Columbia, including Silent Nite®, are small, FDA-approved oral devices worn in the mouth during sleep. Designed to treat snoring and certain types of sleep apnea, they gently reposition your jaw, tongue, and soft tissues to keep your airway open. Many patients prefer sleep appliances over other treatments because they are non-invasive, comfortable, and easy to use.
Unlike bulky CPAP machines that can disrupt your nightly routine or sleep partner, oral sleep appliances are compact and silent, making them a discreet and travel-friendly solution. They’re tailored to your mouth for a secure and snug fit, ensuring maximum nighttime comfort.
Who Can Benefit From Sleep Appliances in Columbia?
Silent Nite® and other sleep appliances are ideal for individuals suffering from:
- Snoring: If your snoring keeps you or your partner up at night, a sleep appliance can help reduce or eliminate the sound by improving your airflow.
- Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): For patients with these conditions, sleep appliances can reposition their jaw and tongue to prevent airway blockages, helping them breathe naturally as they rest.
- CPAP Intolerance: If you find a CPAP uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently, an oral appliance can often be a great alternative.
If you need help determining whether a sleep appliance is right for you, we can work closely with your medical team or evaluate to determine the most effective treatment plan for your condition.
How Do Sleep Appliances Work?
The design and function of oral sleep appliances in Columbia may vary slightly, but the goal is always the same—keeping your airway open to promote better airflow while you sleep. Here’s how they work:
- Jaw Advancement: Most sleep appliances gently shift the lower jaw forward, which helps prevent the tongue and soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing and blocking the airway.
- Comfortable Fit: The appliance is custom-made based on impressions of your teeth, ensuring a secure but comfortable fit.
- Unobstructed Breathing: Sleep appliances maintain airflow, reducing interruptions to breathing and helping you avoid the frequent awakenings associated with sleep apnea.
The result? Deeper, more restful sleep for both you and your loved ones.
What to Expect at Columbia Dental Wellness
Every patient deserves personalized care tailored to their unique needs, especially regarding something as essential as sleep. Here is what you can expect when you visit Columbia Dental Wellness in Columbia, MD, for a sleep appliance:
- Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a detailed consultation, during which we discuss your sleep concerns, medical history, and symptoms. If your physician has already diagnosed sleep apnea, we’ll take that into account.
- Custom Fitting: We take impressions of your teeth and use advanced technology to design a sleep appliance that fits your mouth comfortably and effectively.
- Follow-Up and Adjustments: Once your appliance is ready, we’ll ensure it fits perfectly and make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and performance.
- Ongoing Support: Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your progress and address concerns. Your satisfaction and sleep quality are our top priorities.
Sleep Appliances in Columbia
If snoring or sleep apnea prevents you from enjoying the restful sleep you deserve, don’t wait to seek help. At Columbia Dental Wellness, we provide solutions that improve your sleep and overall quality of life. Our custom-made sleep appliances are a practical and comfortable option to help you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sadaf Nasir. Together, we’ll take the steps to give you the peaceful, restorative sleep you’ve been dreaming of. We also offer orthodontics, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and more!
