Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment in Bakersfield

Custom oral appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea have become more and more popular as a growing awareness among the public that oral appliances are an effective first line treatment for many sleep apnea sufferers.

These appliances are worn while you sleep, just like a sports mouth guard or an orthodontic appliance. Oral appliances hold the lower jaw forward just enough to keep the airway open and prevent the tongue and muscles in the upper airway from collapsing and blocking the airway.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved custom oral appliance therapy (OAT) as a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The AASM also recommends custom oral appliances for patients with severe OSA, who are unable to tolerate CPAP devices.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

The single most common cause of sleep apnea is a narrowing of your airway as you sleep, which limits the supply of oxygen to your brain. While asleep, the muscles that control the tongue start to relax which makes the tongue fall into the back of the throat, creating a blockage that affects your breathing. Watch the video to see what we're talking about and how a custom oral appliance can help.