From a functional root-cause perspective, the preferred treatment for upper airway restriction and/ or sleep apnea is dental arch expansion, either surgically or with an expansion appliance like the Vivos one we prefer. That is the only way to truly eliminate that particular problem. That being said though, there are alternative ways to manage or “live with” a restricted airway.

The most common of course is a CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine. These work by blowing air into your mouth and/or nose and temporarily expand the upper airway, kind of like blowing up a balloon. And for years this has been considered the “gold standard” in sleep apnea treatment, and the only way to treat severe apnea.

For mild to moderate sleep apnea, dental Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) have become popular, not only because they are effective in those less severe situations, but because they eliminate all the inconvenience associated with CPAPs – hoses, noise, travel restriction, intolerance… In contrast, the Vivos expansion appliances we also offer are FDA approved for severe sleep apnea as well.

Obviously neither of these non-expansion appliances actually restore an airway to its biologically preferred size, they just make it act like it when in use. On the other hand though, there are certain circumstances that just are not amenable to functional arch expansion, in which case one of these other options can be a real life saver!

To find out whether or not you are a candidate for arch expansion, or whether one of the non-expansion appliances would be more appropriate for you, give us a call – 855-553-7566. Either way we’ve got you covered!

855-553-7566 Or Smiles@DrLonPeckham.com

with Functional Sleep Medicine.

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