Do you wake up in the morning feeling more tired than you were when you went to bed? Do you deal with stuffy sinuses that make it difficult to breathe?

These are just a couple of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They’re not just annoying – they can also be life-threatening.

OSA can lead to and/or worsen conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. And even the symptoms that aren’t life-threatening can be life-altering. Like an annoying neighbor who is constantly disrupting your life, sleep apnea can leave you feeling annoyed and frustrated.

Fortunately, a sleep apnea dentist can help with the latest in sleep apnea treatment. This treatment is known as a DNA appliance. Today, you’ll learn why this appliance is gaining popularity amongst patients and how it can help you get a great night’s sleep.

What Is a DNA Appliance? How Does It Work? Why Is It Used?

A DNA appliance is an orthodontic device that can be used to treat:

• TMJ disorder
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Nasal congestion
• Dental crowding.

This device is an FDA-approved sleep apnea treatment option. It differs from traditional orthodontic treatment because the focus isn’t solely on the teeth.

With traditional braces or Invisalign braces, the teeth are progressively adjusted to create the ideal bite. This means the teeth fit together properly and there’s little to no crowding.

Unfortunately, this type of treatment doesn’t take a holistic approach to the patient’s needs. When adjustments are made to the teeth only, it can have an adverse effect on the bones of the face. Many people who have had braces at an early age end up with nasal congestion and sleep apnea because the adjustments led to underdeveloped jaw bones and nasal passages.

In the past, some of these people were diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, when in reality they were dealing with the side-effects of sleep apnea.

The DNA appliance can stimulate bone growth, help to reshape existing bone, and helps to correct any narrowing of the jaw and airway. The palate is widened, which opens the airway. The results are:

• Better breathing
• Improved sleep (longer time spent sleeping, as well as more restful sleep)
• Increased concentration/less brain fog
• Fewer headaches
• Less irritability and depression.

The DNA appliance from your sleep apnea dentist only needs to be worn at night, but it can have a lasting effect on your airways. Even if you don’t have OSA, you’ll notice an improvement in your airways if you have any type of congestion.

Though there is some movement of the teeth while wearing this device, once it is out of the mouth, the teeth move back into their natural position.

What Do Patients Think about This Type of Dental Appliance?

The idea of improving sleep in Chicago with a DNA appliance sounds nice, but what do patients have to say about it? Does it really work?

Zack, a patient of Think Better Life, has nothing but good things to say about this appliance. After suffering for years with nasal congestion, he finally found relief after seeing his sleep apnea dentist. The results were apparent just after the first night!

And that’s not all. After a few weeks of consistent use, Zack found that he could sleep through the entire night, and he experienced better quality sleep, too. Because of this, he felt more energized during the day and he looks forward to seeing how things improve over a longer period of time.

Were there any issues with the DNA appliance? Zack said he had a bit of an issue talking while wearing the device, but it was tolerable, painless, and basically effortless.

Multiple patients have tried this appliance and experienced similar results. And they say they would recommend it to anyone they meet who deals with OSA.  

Chicago Sleep Apnea Dental Team: Always on the Lookout for Improved Treatment Alternatives

This is a great period of time to be alive. Technology is constantly advancing, and doing so quickly. For patients dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, there are so many more treatment options these days than there were just a few years ago. Instead of having to wear an uncomfortable CPAP mask, you can wear a DNA appliance instead.

If you struggle with OSA, you should talk to sleep apnea dentist right away. They’re always on the lookout for the latest devices that help their patients live healthier lives and that help them save time, money, and frustration.

Talk to your dentist about your sleep apnea treatment options and you can end up getting better sleep in Chicago in no time!

Would you like to know more about this sleep apnea device? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and we’ll get you on the path to better sleep in Chicago!