LONGMONT, CO —Sleep apnea is a common sleep related breathing disorder that can cause repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. These interruptions can affect sleep quality and may contribute to symptoms such as loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, dry mouth, and difficulty concentrating. Mertz Family Dentistry in Longmont, CO, offers custom oral appliance therapy for eligible patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring.

One treatment option offered by the practice is a mandibular advancement appliance (MAD). This custom dental device is worn during sleep and gently positions the lower jaw forward. By helping maintain an open airway, the appliance can reduce airway obstruction and breathing interruptions associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

For some patients, oral appliance therapy can provide an alternative to CPAP treatment. A mandibular advancement appliance is compact, quiet, and portable, which can make it convenient for nighttime use and travel. It may be particularly useful for patients who have difficulty tolerating CPAP equipment.

Mertz Family Dentistry emphasizes the importance of proper evaluation and individualized treatment. A sleep study may be used to help diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity before an appropriate treatment approach is selected. The dental team can also work with a patient's physician or sleep specialist when needed.

Proper fit is an important part of oral appliance therapy. Mertz Family Dentistry provides custom appliances designed for each patient's needs and evaluates the fit to support comfortable use throughout the night. Follow up appointments may also help determine whether adjustments are needed.

Patients should pay attention to potential warning signs of sleep apnea. Loud or persistent snoring, waking up gasping or choking, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, dry mouth, and frequent nighttime awakenings may indicate a sleep related breathing problem.

Seeking evaluation can help patients understand the cause of their symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options. Mertz Family Dentistry is committed to helping eligible patients address obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring through customized dental treatment.

Located at 1325 Dry Creek Drive, Suite 304, Longmont, CO 80503, Mertz Family Dentistry provides personalized dental care and sleep apnea treatment for patients in the Longmont area. Patients experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea can contact the practice to learn more about mandibular advancement appliances and determine whether this treatment may be appropriate for their needs.