Night Guard

What is a night guard?

Night guards are the preferred treatment for sleep apnea by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The team at Fibonacci Dental Studio creates your night guard to fit your mouth perfectly. It’s made of a comfortable plastic that doesn’t irritate your mouth and allows you to feel comfortable while you sleep. 

Your night guard works by forcing your lower jaw forward. In this position, your airway stays open and clear of the tissues that normally obstruct it while you sleep. Unlike the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, another treatment for sleep apnea, your night guard doesn’t take up a lot of space and won’t disturb you or your partner with noise.

Why do I need a night guard?

Night guards are specifically effective for treating mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, the tissues in your throat close your airway when you relax to fall asleep and cause you to stop breathing many times throughout the night. This results in numerous other symptoms, including:

• Snoring
• Dry mouth in the morning
• Morning headaches
• Irritability
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Daytime drowsiness

More urgently, the constant blocking of air from your lungs causes your oxygen levels to drop. This can lead to serious complications like high blood pressure, heart problems, and a higher risk of stroke. 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine now recommends oral appliances as a front line treatment for snoring and sleep apnea these appliances can be used with CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) treatment, or if CPAP is not tolerated well. The appliance works by opening the bite and gently advancing the mandible (lower jaw) forward, thus opening a free flowing airway and significantly reducing or eliminating your snoring.

What should I do if my night guard is too uncomfortable?

You must wear your night guard while you sleep, so it needs to be comfortable. A night guard that fits well allows for a full, satisfying night of sleep, which is something you need if you have sleep apnea. 

There are several types of night guards available, and some may work better for you than others. If you try a night guard that you don’t like or aren’t comfortable wearing, simply call Fibonacci Dental Studio for another appointment. Most patients try several night guards before finding one that suits them well. 

A long night of sleep without frequent awakening or pauses in breathing is important for your focus, energy, and happiness. To alleviate your sleep apnea with a custom night guard, call Fibonacci Dental Studio or book an appointment online today.