Getting quality sleep is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good health. However, many people experience sleep disturbances due to issues with breathing, such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. When your airway is partially or fully blocked during sleep, your body must work harder to breathe, preventing you from reaching deep, restorative stages of rest. One effective and comfortable way to address these issues is through custom oral appliances. At Lund Family Dentistry, we use advanced dental sleep solutions to help patients breathe easier and enjoy a better night’s sleep.

Understanding the Connection Between Breathing and Sleep

Sleep and breathing are closely linked. During healthy sleep, the muscles in your throat relax but still allow enough airflow for normal breathing. However, for some individuals, the airway becomes too narrow or collapses, causing snoring or sleep apnea episodes. These interruptions force the body to wake up briefly to restore breathing, which fragments sleep and reduces oxygen levels.

Over time, poor-quality sleep can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and more serious conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Fortunately, dental sleep therapy can help by keeping the airway open and allowing for uninterrupted breathing.

What Are Custom Oral Appliances?

Custom oral appliances are small, personalized devices designed to fit comfortably inside your mouth while you sleep. They work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to prevent the airway from collapsing. Unlike bulky CPAP machines that require a mask and air pressure, oral appliances are simple, quiet, and easy to wear.

Each device is carefully made using digital scans of your teeth and jaw, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum comfort. Because they are customized, these appliances feel natural and allow you to move your jaw slightly while sleeping.

How Oral Appliances Improve Breathing

The main purpose of an oral appliance is to enhance airflow during sleep. By holding the lower jaw slightly forward, it prevents soft tissues in the throat from obstructing the airway. This repositioning allows oxygen to flow freely into the lungs throughout the night.

Patients who use custom oral appliances often notice immediate improvements, such as reduced snoring, fewer awakenings, and feeling more refreshed in the morning. The increased oxygen flow also helps improve brain function and cardiovascular health over time.

The Benefits of Custom Oral Appliances

Custom oral appliances offer a variety of benefits beyond improving sleep quality. Some of the key advantages include:

• Enhanced comfort compared to CPAP therapy
  
  
• Easy to use, clean, and travel with
  
  
• Noninvasive and completely reversible treatment
  
  
• Reduction in snoring for both you and your partner
  
  
• Improved energy levels and daytime alertness
  
  
• Better overall mood and mental clarity
  
  

Because these devices are compact and require no power source, they are particularly convenient for people who travel frequently or find CPAP machines too cumbersome.

The Process of Getting a Custom Oral Appliance

At Lund Family Dentistry, the process of creating your custom oral appliance begins with a detailed consultation. Our team evaluates your symptoms, airway structure, and sleep history to determine the best treatment option.

We then take digital impressions and measurements of your mouth to create a precise fit. Once your appliance is ready, we make any necessary adjustments to ensure it feels comfortable and functions effectively. Patients typically notice significant improvements in their sleep within the first few weeks of use.

Regular follow-ups allow us to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure long-term comfort and success.

Improve Your Sleep Naturally

If you struggle with snoring, fatigue, or interrupted sleep, a custom oral appliance could be the solution you need. By improving your breathing and keeping your airway open, you can finally experience deep, restful sleep every night.

Schedule Your Sleep Consultation Today

Take the first step toward better rest and improved health. Contact Lund Family Dentistry today to learn more about Sleep Therapy in White Bear Lake, MN and discover how a custom oral appliance can transform your sleep and well-being.

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