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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
General dentists are the go-to dental professional to see when a cavity arises. They are trained and equipped to offer an array of treatment options, all of which restore the tooth so that it can be healthy and strong. Outlined below are a few ways that a general dentist may treat a cavity. Reviewing the following…
A TMJ Dentist is a dental professional who helps diagnose and treat problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. Issues with this joint can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the jaw. They can also lead to headaches, earaches, and trouble chewing. Visiting a TMJ dentist is an important…
Caring for a child's teeth is essential to their overall health. Pediatric dental care focuses on keeping smiles healthy, preventing common dental problems, and ensuring children develop good oral hygiene habits early. From routine checkups to specialized treatments, pediatric dentists offer a range of services designed to protect teeth and gums while making visits to…
If you or a loved one has a dental abscess, then you need to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible to ensure the infection does not spread to the rest of the mouth. A dental abscess causes more than a simple toothache, and delaying care may increase the risk of serious complications. As…