Many sufferers of sleep apnea are prescribed a CPAP machine for nighttime treatment. This machine forces air into the mouth through a mask that is worn while sleeping. While this treatment is usually effective, it can be too cumbersome for some patients. Often, Dr. Cory Gaunt can prescribe a much less invasive solution for sleep apnea treatment in Spokane. Downriver Smiles provides custom mouthguards for sleep apnea treatment.
Most patients with sleep apnea have excess tissue that partially blocks their airway while sleeping, which causes snoring and sleep apnea. A custom mouthguard that holds the jaw in a certain position keeps the airway open, allowing the patient to breathe normally without restrictions. This simple solution for sleep apnea is easier to endure than a mask over the face, and it is much more affordable.
Dr. Gaunt uses our 3D cone beam scanner to obtain precise digital images of your mouth and jaw, which are then used by the dental lab to create your custom mouthguard, or nightguard. When it is ready, Dr. Gaunt will be sure the fit is comfortable and instruct you on how to wear the nightguard and how to keep it clean and sanitized.
Relief from Snoring and Teeth Grinding
Custom nightguards can also be a great relief for those who snore or grind their teeth at night. This is something that may bother your sleep partner more, as they are usually the ones awakened by your noisy nocturnal habits. Plus, teeth grinding wears down the enamel on your teeth and can lead to oral problems like tooth decay and jaw misalignment.
Relief from snoring and teeth grinding, as well as treatment for sleep apnea, are all benefits of custom-designed and created nightguards from Downriver Smiles. Many of our Spokane patients have been able to improve their sleep and overall health by using a custom mouthguard while sleeping at night.
If you or a loved one snore, grind teeth at night or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact us at Downriver Smiles. We can determine in a private consultation if a custom mouthguard would help the condition.
