Snoring and Sleep Apnea Solutions

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment for mild to moderate OSA. Oral appliance therapy involves both a physcian and a trained dentist in Sleep Apnea who will provide treatment in the form of a dental device. These devices resemble mouth guards worn by hockey players, but are essential in keeping your airway open so you can breathe at night, and are only needed to be used at bed time.

Oral appliances are also a great alternative for people who are CPAP intolerant, since the devices are easier to use and have a higher compliance rate. Oral appliances help alleviate or eliminate snoring, and many patients respond well to oral appliance therapy.

There are two kinds of devices used to treat OSA: tongue-retaining devices and madibular-advancement devices.

Tongue-retaining devices use a light suction to keep the tongue from falling to the back of the throat and blocking the airway. Mandibular-advancement devices hold the lower jaw in a position to increase airflow.

With over 70 different types of oral appliances to choose from, your dentist will discuss options on what device will be most comfortable and effective for you. You will then be fitted for the device, so you can start getting a full night’s sleep.

Why do I need to see a dentist?

Dentists, or sleep dentists, are integral in helping treat people with OSA. The dentist will conduct a complete medical and dental screening in order to evaluate the cause of the obstruction. During the screening process, the dentist will:

1) Check airways in the throat for obstruction, the soft palate (tissue in the back of the roof of the mouth), size of the tongue and jaw position

2) Take upper and lower dental impressions and x-rays

3) Conduct an exam in order to determine the best position the lower jaw should be in, in order to increase the airway

Who is a candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?

Individuals that are not good candidates for Continuous Positive Airway Pressue (CPAP) therapy
Individuals that do not need to make behavioral changes, such as weight loss or changing sleep positions
Individuals that have mild or moderate OSA
Individuals that have snoring that is unrelated to OSA
Individuals with moderate to severe OSA in combination with nasal CPAP therapy
Individuals with moderate to severe OSA who had surgery or are intolerant to CPAP

What are the advantages to Oral Appliance Therapy?

OSA is a non-invasive, conservative treatment for many people dealing with OSA.

Oral appliances are comfortable, easier to adjust and generally more tolerable than the forms of therapy. Most people become accustomed to the appliance after just a few weeks. Oral appliances are small, portable devices and are convenient while traveling.

What happens now?

Determining if you are a good candidate for oral appliance therapy is a decision that must be made with both you and your medical professional. At 1-800-snoring, we can help match you with a sleep specialist in order to diagnose your sleep apnea and choose the best solution for you.

Trial evaluation of oral appliance therapy will begin to make sure it will work for you and provide results. This may take several weeks, or in some cases, months. Follow-up visits will ensure that the appliance fits correctly and is effective. Make sure that you discuss any issues you have regarding your appliance with your dentist or sleep specialist.

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