Dental sleep appliances help patients who do not tolerate CPAP machines

 

Giving you a great smile and repairing damaged teeth is only part of the picture when it comes to oral health. Dr. Dennis Lucas also helps patients with sleep apnea enjoy a better night’s sleep through the use of Dorsal dental appliances.

Dorsal dental appliances are custom-fit devices that keep your airway open and protected at the same time. They minimize snoring and potentially dangerous sleep apnea episodes, and are especially useful for our patients who do not tolerate CPAP machines. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines use a hose connected to a mask or nosepiece in delivering a constant level of air pressure. Simply put, CPAP machines aren’t everybody’s cup of tea.

Dr. Lucas’s top choice from the variety of dental sleep appliance designs on the market is the custom-milled DynaFlex Dorsal dental appliance. It is stronger, less porous, and more hygienic than the older acrylic materials.

The lab uses a high-precision, 5-axis milling machine to create extremely accurate Dorsal dental devices. This results in a comfortable fit with an exceptionally smooth finish. The DynaFlex Dorsal dental appliance has become a very popular choice in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

How does a Dorsal dental appliance help with sleep?

The objective behind using a Dorsal dental appliance is to minimize or even eliminate episodes of obstructive sleep apnea. These episodes can be dangerous because they lead to heart problems and daytime sleepiness due to interrupted sleep.

Dorsal dental devices are much less intrusive than CPAP machines, do not make any noise, and allow for more body position freedom. They allow some jaw movement, while importantly keeping the lower jaw in the correct position for deep sleep. After a good night’s sleep, simply brush the device with a toothbrush and rinse with cold water before storing it in its case.

Many of our patients tell us they sleep more comfortably using a Dorsal dental appliance than they do with a CPAP machine. Contact us to schedule an appointment and determine whether a Dorsal dental appliance is appropriate for you.

About Dr. Dennis Lucas – Naples, Florida, dentist

Dr. Dennis Lucas performs cosmetic and restorative dental techniques, as well as traditional preventive dental services for patients in and around Naples, Florida. His expertise, supported by the latest in dental technology, ensures oral health plays a role in his patients’ total healthcare picture. Call (239) 262-5851 to schedule an appointment.