For most of us, breathing is second nature; whether awake or asleep, we don’t have to worry about getting enough air. However, those with obstructive sleep apnea—a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep due to a partially or completely closed-off airway — often struggle to get the rest they need.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has long been the standard treatment for sleep apnea, but it’s not suitable or comfortable for all patients. That’s where alternative solutions like the SomnoMed Avant mandibular advancement device (MAD) come in.
At Leavitt Dentistry, we understand the importance of restful, restorative sleep and are committed to providing innovative solutions to help you breathe easier. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the SomnoMed Avant and other mandibular advancement devices can manage sleep apnea, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep without the need for a CPAP device.
Understanding Sleep Apnea and CPAP Therapy
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or become blocked, resulting in shallow breaths or pauses in breathing. Central sleep apnea is the less common form of this condition, occurring when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Both forms of sleep apnea disrupt the normal sleep cycle and reduce oxygen levels in the body. Symptoms include snoring, gasping for air during sleep, dry mouth, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty paying attention during the day. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other serious complications.
Many individuals turn to CPAP therapy to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. This therapy involves a mask worn over the nose and mouth that delivers a continuous stream of air, keeping the airway open and preventing interruptions in breathing. While it’s effective for some patients, many find this treatment uncomfortable, causing dry mouth, nasal congestion, and mask-related discomfort.
The SomnoMed Avant Mandibular Advancement Device
An increasing number of patients with sleep apnea are turning to alternative treatment options such as the SonmoMed Avant MAD. This innovative device resembles a mouthguard, with splints on the upper and lower teeth. The addition of a flexible strap holds your jaw in the proper position during sleep, keeping the airway open and preventing the collapse of soft tissues in the throat that leads to obstructions.
Creating the SomnoMed Avant involves a collaboration between dental professionals and engineers. The process starts at our office, where we will take a special digital scan of your teeth and send it to the manufacturer.
Using this information, SomnoMed will design an oral appliance specifically tailored to the shape of your teeth and jaws, build it using computer-controlled milling robots, and test it using a 3D-printed model of your teeth. Finally, SomnoMed ships the completed appliance to our office, where we check the fit, adjust the jaw position, show you how to use it, and start your sleep apnea treatment.
Benefits of Using a MAD
Opting for a mandibular advancement device like the SomnoMed Avant rather than a CPAP device comes with many advantages, including:
Comfort and Customization
The SomnoMed Avant was developed with patient comfort in mind. The custom-fit design is made to fit the unique contours of your mouth, ensuring a secure fit, optimal comfort, and maximized effectiveness. It also allows you to say goodbye to the irritation and discomfort often associated with CPAP masks.
Enhanced Compliance, Portability, and Convenience
We have found that many patients find it easier to adhere to sleep apnea treatment with the SomnoMed Avant compared to CPAP therapy. The user-friendly device’s streamlined design makes it a more convenient and practical solution. Unlike cumbersome CPAP machines, which require electricity, MAD devices are compact and portable, making them ideal for use both at home and on the go.
Better Sleep Quality
Our team at Leavitt Dentistry will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. By effectively treating sleep apnea with a MAD device, we can help you experience more restful and rejuvenating sleep. Our patients often report feeling more refreshed and energized, leading to improved overall well-being.
Transform Your Sleep With a MAD From Leavitt Dentistry
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, Leavitt Dentistry can help you find the solutions you need to finally achieve the good night’s sleep you deserve. We can send you home with a screening device to use in your own home while you sleep, providing a summary of your condition, which tells us if you are a candidate for MAD therapy vs. traditional obstructive sleep apnea therapy.
We are proud to offer the SomnoMed Avant device, which provides unparalleled comfort and effectiveness. If you’re ready to take control of your sleep and live a brighter, more energized life, contact Leavitt Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.
