Vivos Corpus Christi
Treating Sleep Apnea at Its Source
For many years, CPAP therapy has been regarded as the gold standard for addressing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Certainly, CPAP therapy can be effective. However, it only works as long as you use it, and many patients have trouble complying with their treatment. In our Corpus Christi dental practice, we are proud to offer a different approach to sleep apnea treatment, one that addresses the source of disordered breathing during sleep. It is called Vivos. Continue reading below to learn more about it, and then contact our team if you would like to schedule a consultation.
Your Jaw and Sleep Apnea
OSA can have numerous different causes, but one common culprit behind this condition is an improperly developed jaw. For example, you might have maxillary hypoplasia (an underdeveloped upper jaw) or mandibular retrognathia (a lower jaw that is set too far back). Either of these issues can negatively affect your upper airway and contribute to the pauses in breathing that are characteristic of OSA.
How Vivos Works
The goal of Vivos treatment is to provide a lasting solution for sleep apnea patients in Corpus Christi. It seeks to correct issues like maxillary hypoplasia and mandibular retrognathia without invasive surgeries.
It involves the use of special appliances that gently reshape and/or reposition the jaws. For example, one appliance might be used to expand the upper palate, whereas another one can be used at night to train the lower jaw to rest in the correct place.
Successful Vivos treatment can greatly improve nighttime breathing and may eliminate the need for other forms of sleep apnea therapy, including CPAP.
The Treatment Process
If you are interested in Vivos, our team will perform a thorough evaluation of your situation. We will examine your jaws, ask about your symptoms, and possibly refer you for an official sleep test. After we have gathered all the necessary information, we can determine if the Vivos system is a viable option in your unique case.
Then, we can design your custom treatment plan and order your personalized appliances. We will give you instructions on how to use them, and you should visit us for periodic checkups throughout your treatment. Completing the entire Vivos protocol typically takes 1 – 2 years, though you may start to notice improvements well before your treatment concludes.
The Benefits of Vivos
Some of the most outstanding benefits of Vivos include:
- Every appliance is custom crafted to be as comfortable as possible while still producing results.
- The appliances are almost invisible when they are being worn.
- Vivos is a very low-risk treatment.
- You might start to notice a difference in your sleep quality within mere days or weeks.
- Vivos can be a permanent solution for a common cause of sleep apnea. If you have no other factors that are adversely affecting your breathing, you might be able to completely stop using other forms of OSA treatment once you complete Vivos.