Relieve Your Sleep Apnea With Dr. Bayless
Sleep apnea is a serious medical issue. Without treatment, it will impair your health and it’s also been linked to a number of harmful conditions including strokes, diabetes, and hypertension.
Dr. Bayless in Spring Branch has completed over 150 hours of continuing education courses related to sleep medicine for dentists, including specialized training at Tufts University. If he discovers signs of sleep apnea, Dr. Bayless will make sure you get the correct diagnosis and effective treatment to relieve your symptoms and improve your health.
When patients are diagnosed with sleep apnea, doctors usually recommend a CPAP machine. But CPAP has a number of drawbacks that make it unpleasant to use. Explore our guide to learn more about our effective alternatives to CPAP.
What Is CPAP?
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP machine pumps a stream of pressurized air through a mask that’s worn over the patient’s face while sleeping. This keeps the airway open, allowing you to breathe consistently throughout the night without interruption.
Though CPAP is an effective treatment when used properly, you have to wear the CPAP mask every night to receive its benefits. Unfortunately, a lot of patients simply stop using it, which is why the long-term compliance rate for CPAP is very low.
Why Patients Stop Using CPAP
There are a number of reasons patients become dissatisfied with their CPAP machine. Some of the most common complaints we hear from our patients in Spring Branch include:
- The mask is awkward to wear
- The machine is too loud
- It forces you to sleep on your back
- Traveling with the device is inconvenient
- If you get up during the night, you have to reattach your CPAP machine
If CPAP isn’t working for you, ask Dr. Bayless about your treatment options.
Our CPAP Alternatives
As an alternative to CPAP, Dr. Bayless will customize an oral appliance just for you. Also known as a mandibular advancement device, an oral appliance gently shifts your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open. By preventing your tongue from collapsing back into the airway, an oral appliance eliminates the obstruction that causes sleep apnea.
Unlike CPAP, oral appliances are quiet and easy to use. Dr. Bayless will customize your oral appliance for a perfect fit. Thanks to your oral appliance, you’ll be able to enjoy the peaceful sleep you need without sacrificing comfort.
Visit Dr. Bayless for Oral Appliance Therapy
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Otherwise, it can lead to unfortunate health complications.
For patients who want an alternative to CPAP, oral appliances offer an ideal solution. Call our practice at (830) 632-2112 to schedule your free sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Bayless. Or just fill out the easy form at the bottom of the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a custom oral device?
Research shows that custom-made, titratable oral devices work the best and provide long-lasting results. Custom devices are designed to fit your unique bite to help alleviate snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
Is oral appliance therapy comfortable?
Most patients have reported oral appliance therapy to be comfortable and convenient, allowing patients to sleep soundly throughout the night.
Am I a candidate for oral appliance therapy?
To be a candidate for an oral device, we require patients to have at least six or more teeth in each arch, healthy gums, and have taken a sleep study. If you don’t meet these requirements, Dr. Bayless can work with you to determine the best course of action.
How long does an oral appliance last?
Most oral devices last about two and a half years, or 30 months, depending on each individual case. It can last longer or shorter due to wear and tear. However, most device manufacturers warranty their device from one to three years.
I wear dentures. Will oral appliance therapy still work?
If you’re missing all of your teeth and wear dentures, then you’re not a candidate for oral appliance therapy. If you still have some teeth in your lower arch, you’re able to wear a device. However, it may require more time to see results.
Can I keep seeing my existing dentist?
Yes, we encourage our patients to continue seeing their existing dentist for routine and preventative dental care. Dr. Bayless and our team will work closely with your existing dentist and medical providers to ensure you receive comprehensive, quality care.