Dr. Bailey is a well-renowned dentist experienced in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dental sleep therapy may sound like something new but Dr. Bailey made his first sleep apnea appliance 25 years ago. The designs of these appliances are similar to functional orthodontic appliances which Dr. Bailey learned to work with more than 30 years ago. Dr. Bailey’s expertise in these appliances combined with a sincere desire to help people guides him in providing the highest quality appliances along with a level of personal caring that is hard to find anywhere else.
At Colorado Precision Dentistry, we provide an in-home sleep-testing device with state-of-the-art technology to give us the best information possible in guiding you to make wise choices. Dr. Bailey’s experience in sleep appliances allows him to help select the best appliance for your specific needs. If you would like to investigate your concerns and potential treatment options please call us or click the link to set up a FREE consultation.
Sleep apnea is a condition that makes it difficult for your body to receive the oxygen you need to properly function. Without enough oxygen, you will feel drained and sluggish, but since the condition manifests itself at night, most people have no idea that they have it.
There are many health problems that can arise from untreated sleep apnea. They can include a stroke, high blood pressure, headaches, diabetes, depression, mood swings, heart failure, ADHD that becomes worse, and an overall lack of well-being.
Without enough oxygen, your body will have a difficult time functioning. Beyond the health effects, this can translate to not having enough energy to stay awake past dinner, enjoy your kid's birthday parties, go for a bike ride, or even drive your car. In fact, when you are tired, the basic and often mundane activities of life can put you to sleep. This can make it dangerous to get behind the wheel and could compromise your work performance. Essentially, your quality of life can be greatly diminished, making it critical that you visit Dr. Bailey and have your sleep apnea evaluated.
Sleep apnea is a physical condition that makes it impossible to breathe freely while you are sleeping. As a result, your body will not get enough oxygen to function at an optimal level. A sleep disorder can be one of the following:
Check out what others are saying about our sleep apnea support services on Google: Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
At Colorado Precision Dentistry, we recommend that patients explore all non-invasive treatment options first. Mild and Moderate levels of sleep apnea will often respond well to a dental sleep appliance. Severe apnea is suggested to be treated with a CPAP with the guidance of a certified sleep physician. An oral appliance is a convenient treatment option because it does not make any noise and is incredibly discrete. Clearly, some patients require the use of a CPAP machine to provide them with additional oxygen. The challenge with a CPAP is that it can be loud and uncomfortable to wear. The third treatment option for OSA is to have surgery to remove the extra fatty tissue blocking your airway.
Wearing an oral appliance is generally something patients adapt to in a few nights sleep. It is customized for your mouth specifically, so it fits snugly and securely. As a result, you can simply slip it into place when you go to sleep. It remains in place inside of your mouth and does an excellent job of holding your lower jaw in the forward position. This prevents your tongue from falling backward and allows for a clear airway. Some people receive all of the benefits they need by wearing an oral appliance, while those with severe sleep apnea may also require the use of a CPAP machine.
To learn more about sleep apnea or discuss your oral health in general, call 303-481-0565 and schedule an appointment with our Highlands Ranch dental office. At Colorado Precision Dentistry, we are happy to discuss your health challenges and make recommendations, even if we have to refer you to a specialist for treatment.