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Learn More About Oral Appliance Therapy
Dr. Becky Fox discusses information about Oral Appliance Therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
It is estimated over 30 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea and most go undiagnosed. Sleep apnea can cause individuals to stop breathing hundreds of times per night; sometimes lasting for several minutes. Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition that occurs when your muscles relax during sleep, allowing soft tissues to block your airway. These blockages in breathing can lead to bigger health problems over time. Also, general sleepiness from waking multiple times a night can negatively impact other areas of your life, work, and relationships. Seeking treatment for your sleeping disorder will benefit your overall health and lead to positive life changes.
What can a dentist do for sleep apnea?
Dentists pioneered the use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring in adults. We can help by fitting a custom made oral appliance that repositions your lower jaw and prevents airway collapse while you are sleeping. An oral sleep appliance can be an initial mode of treatment, or an alternative to CPAP and other surgical options. Often, it can be used in combination with CPAP machines for a reduced more comfortable setting. Oral appliance therapy may be one option to treat your sleep apnea, primary snoring, or upper airway resistance syndrome.
Why Trust Fox Dental?
After receiving her dental degree from Temple University in 1997; Dr. Becky Fox has been treating dental patients in Central PA for over 20 years. In 2019 she became certified as a Diplomate with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, receiving her dental sleep medicine training with Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston, and has also completed all levels of the Mastery Program with the AADSM. She has taken over 250 hours of continued education specifically in the area of dental sleep medicine. She is a member of the AADSM, AASM, and PA Sleep Society. Currently, she is a member on the Annual Conference Committee with the AADSM. Dr. Fox maintains a general dentistry practice in addition to her focused interest in dental sleep medicine.
The Process
Our sleep solution process has been crafted to help provide your needs as effectively as possible.
Screening & Exam
Prior to your initial appointment; Dr. Fox will review your most recent sleep study and begin coordinating care with your medical team to treat your sleep condition. Your first visit with our team includes: a thorough dental exam, TMJ and airway assessment, imaging, and review of alternative therapies. We will discuss the benefits and possible side effects of treatment with an oral appliance. Good dental health is critical to support the dental device. Dr. Fox reviews various appliances she works with so that we find the best fit for you!
Impressions & Digital Scans
Final appliance selection, dental impressions, digital scans, and bite position records will be completed at your second appointment. We then send the information to a certified dental laboratory to make a custom fit FDA approved dental appliance. It is best to receive care from a dentist who has had specific training in dental sleep medicine or is a Qualified Dentist or Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Fittings and Adjustments
Once we receive the appliance from the laboratory, we will make sure it fits properly, go over how to care for it, and your on going dental health. We may need to adjust the appliance over a few appointments.
Re-Evaluations and Check-Ups
Once your symptoms improve and your wearing the appliance comfortably, Dr. Fox will refer you back to your physician for re-evaluation of your obstructive sleep apnea. We will also see you on an annual basis for appliance checks and oral evaluation.
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