Excessive snoring, gasping for air, and even cessation of breathing are all symptoms of sleep apnea, a serious condition that can endanger your life. To keep sleep apnea sufferers safe at night, many doctors turn to the continuous positive airway pressure
However, board-certified general and cosmetic dentist Brian Kraft, DDS
at Payson Dental and Orthodontics in West Payson, Utah, offers a different approach, and patients are thrilled.
In many cases, an oral appliance (a small device you wear in your mouth) can remedy your sleep apnea symptoms long-term and with much less hassle than a CPAP machine. Here’s why:
The CPAP uses a mask that covers either your nose or your nose and mouth, straps that hold the mask in place, and a motor that blows a continuous stream of air into your lungs. It’s an effective treatment but is uncomfortable and doesn’t offer long-term relief.
Dr. Kraft is a certified Vivos provider, an oral device that improves the position of your tongue or jaw and optimizes airflow while you sleep.
Vivos is FDA-cleared for adults and children with mild to moderate and severe sleep apnea. 97% of patients experience symptom relief.
Vivos uses a daytime-nighttime appliance (DNA) system to apply gentle pressure to the palate, gradually expanding it to correct maxillary hypoplasia. It may also involve the use of a mandibular repositioning nighttime appliance to train the lower jaw to rest in its proper position.
Together, the DNA and mRNA remodel and/or reposition the jawbone so that it no longer affects your upper airway. After you finish your treatment with the Vivos system, you should be able to sleep soundly every night without using a CPAP machine.
A CPAP machine is cumbersome to travel with and requires daily maintenance. You must clean your mask daily with soap and warm water and dry it with a towel. Once a week, you must wash the CPAP tube in your shower, letting the water run through it, and once a month, you must wash or change the machine’s filter.
On the contrary, Vivos is a breeze to take care of. Twice a day, when you brush your teeth, brush your sleep apnea oral appliance simultaneously. Just use a gentle toothbrush.
Ready to ditch the CPAP machine? Learn if you’re a candidate for the Vivos system—call (801) 335-9050 to schedule an appointment or use the online booking tool.
