How a Dental Oral Appliance Helps with Sleep Apnea
An oral appliance is one of the treatment options for sleep apnea. Many patients prefer this type of device because they are more comfortable than wearing a mask and that they are portable and can be moved around easily. It is a convenient and less-invasive way to treat the symptoms of sleep apnea. Continue reading to learn more about how an oral dental appliance works for sleep apnea.
How oral appliances for sleep apnea work
The device fits over the upper and lower teeth, in a similar way to a dental retainer. It works by moving and retaining the tongue and jaw in a forward position to prevent them from blocking the airway even if the muscles of the air passages relax completely during sleep.
The upper and lower sections are linked with a piston and tube, which only limit how much the jaw retrudes. As soon as the muscles relax while in a deep sleep, the tubes lower and the chin is held forward. The airway will remain open throughout sleep so that the patient can continue to breathe normally.
Points to consider with oral appliances
An oral appliance is meant for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea only. For patients with severe sleep apnea, an oral device may not be advisable as the support may not be adequate for compromised air passage. The dentist may also recommend oral appliances so that a patient can tolerate the CPAP machine better.
After about two to six months of using the device, the jaw should have advanced considerably. At first, the appliance will slightly shift the lower jaw forward, and as patients get familiar with this and their jaw muscles relax, the dentist will increase the tension. The process is done gradually to reduce the risks of side effects. By the end of the adjustment phase, the dental appliance will be fully optimized for sleep apnea treatment.
Getting a dental appliance
There are various suppliers of oral devices on the internet. These devices are relatively inexpensive but are usually not effective for sleep apnea treatment. They are not custom-fit, and poor fitting oral devices can cause teeth movement and potential tooth loss. It is advisable to visit a dentist that has experience providing the dental appliance. The dental professional will perform an important assessment to know whether the device will be effective for treating sleep apnea.
When the patient visits the dentist, they will have impressions or molds of their teeth taken. With the impressions, the dentist will recreate a plaster replica of the patient’s bite and perform preliminary fitting to see how effective the mandibular advancement devices will be. If the patient cannot move their jaw forward properly, the treatment may be ineffective.
Final note
An oral appliance can be a practical and efficient solution for treating snoring and sleep apnea. It is vital that you visit an experienced general dentist and ensure that the device is fitted and adjusted regularly.
Request an appointment here: https://columbiadentaloffice.com or call Columbia Advanced Dental Studio at (410) 635-5105 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Columbia, MD.
Related Posts
TMJ disorder affects the joints on either side of the head, both of which connect to the jaw. When there is any sort of dysfunction, the result is a disorder, which is often diagnosed, treated, and managed by a general dentist. Understanding the cause of a patient's TMJ disorder helps the dentist determine the appropriate…
Considering choosing a general dentist to perform your smile makeover? Smart. Many people think making over their smile will look for a cosmetic dentist to complete their makeover, not understanding that some general dentists are an option, too. Making a consultation appointment is the first step to determining which smile makeover options a general dentist…
If you have partial dentures, you know how important it is to take good care of them. Repairs can be costly and sometimes damaged dentures may require a total replacement. When it comes to partial dentures, there are many parts prone to breaking, including the teeth, clasps, acrylic plastic base and any metal pieces. When…
There are several treatment options available for patients with sleep apnea. For some, CPAP machines may be an ideal solution, although more patients are using dental appliances in place of their CPAP machines. The following is a review of available treatment options for sleep apnea and how to choose the one that works best. Two common…