If your spouse or family member constantly complains of your loud snoring or if you always wake up with a headache and dry throat, there’s a chance you could have obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder can potentially turn into something serious because it causes you to stop breathing while you’re asleep. If this is left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and other types of conditions.
2 Different Types of Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea differs from obstructive sleep apnea because it’s marked by the lack of respiratory movements while you’re sleeping. Your brain is continuously communicating that you need to breathe, and in the case of this sleep disorder, the brain has lost its ability to prompt your muscles to assist with breathing.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This common type of sleep apnea is characterized by a partial or complete blockage in the upper airway while you’re sleeping. The reduction of oxygen flow that’s interrupting your sleeping patterns may cause you to gasp for air before you can fall back to sleep. The muscles in your chest and diaphragm are prompted to work more than they should to compensate for the blockage, allowing you to draw enough air into your lungs.
The flow of air through your windpipe may be blocked by your tongue, throat, and soft palate that may have slackened too much when you’re asleep. Another possible cause of obstructive sleep apnea is malocclusion, which means having overcrowding, a poor bite, or crooked teeth.
What is a Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment?
One way of addressing obstructive sleep apnea is to increase your oral cavity’s volume by moving your teeth into their proper positions and changing the arch’s shape and width. With clear aligner orthodontic treatment, your airway will expand, and the obstruction will be reduced as it allows for proper placement of your tongue.
Are You Struggling with Sleep Apnea in Vero Beach?
At Vero Beach Art of Dentistry will gladly explain everything you want to know about this sleep disorder and what can be done to address it. Get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation.
