Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Are you the one who is facing sleep challenges like snoring or sleep apnea? If yes, then you’re not alone! We have a lot of patients who are striving to improve sleep quality, just like you. One recent, effective, and comfortable solution to this problem is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). This article is the place where you will learn about oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, the way it works, its benefits, and why it might be the perfect solution to your problems.
Overview
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related disorder in which breathing starts and stops alternatively. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when your throat muscles relax a little too much leading to obstruction of the airway, signaling your brain to wake up to keep you alive. This starts an endless cycle of waking up and sleeping again throughout the night which significantly reduces the quality of your sleep. Snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea.
Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea varies according to the severity. Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea is when you have 5 to 30 episodes in an hour. Having more than 30 makes it severe OSA. Treatment options include sleep medicines, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, oral appliances for sleep apnea, and surgery.
Oral appliances are becoming increasingly popular as they are less invasive and much more tolerable as compared to CPAP therapy.
What Are Oral Appliances For Sleep Apnea?
Oral Appliances are used as a non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. You are required to wear an appliance or device which is custom-made just for you. It is meant to be worn all night which gently influences your jaw and tongue to keep the airway open to make it easier for you to breathe through the night.
Adding to this, if you are here because you are simply looking to stop snoring, it offers a comfortable solution to your problem.
Types of Oral Appliances Used To Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Overall, two main types of dental appliances for the treatment of OSA, these are
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD)
Mandibular repositioning appliances are given to treat sleep apnea. A mandibular advancement splint is a custom-made oral appliance treatment that temporarily advances the tongue and the lower jaw forward which keeps the airway open while you sleep.
The effective MAD devices are the ones that are custom-made by a dentist specializing in the treatment of sleep disorders. They usually come in two pieces one fits the upper jaw and the other one fits the lower jaw teeth. By using traction they keep the lower jaw forward thus opening the airway.
Mandibular advancement splints are considered for
- In the treatment of sleep apnea, patients with mild to moderate OSA
- Patients intolerant to CPAP machine
- Temporomandibular joint issues
- MAD therapy reduces snoring
Tongue-Stabilizing Devices
This is another appliance for obstructive sleep apnea which maintains tongue position during sleep to keep the airways open. They are not as popular as the MAD but are a good option for someone considering using oral appliance appliance for the treatment first time. Other reasons to consider these include
- You have breathing problems due to the presence of a large tongue
- Not being able to tolerate CPAP treatment
- Have snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
- Mild to moderate sleep apnea
What is The Most Effective Oral Appliance For Sleep Apnea?
Dr. Holly prefers to use the "Sonomed Avant"
How does oral appliance therapy work to treat obstructive sleep apnea?
They work by repositioning your lower jaw or tongue to keep your airway open so you can breathe properly while sleeping. It will either pull your tongue forward making more space at the back of your throat or move your jaw forward reducing sleep apnea episodes.
Who are oral appliances for OSA best for?
These appliances are best for those
- Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (mild to moderate)
- Patients who can't tolerate CPAP
- Primary snoring
Who shouldn’t use an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
Response to oral appliances is limited in some cases, so they shouldn't be considered in these cases;
- Severe sleep apnea: these people need other treatments like CPAP or surgery
- Central sleep apnea: oral appliances are ineffective in these patients as it's related to brain insufficiency in regulating breathing
- Dental issues: patients with severe malocclusion, small jaw, gum-related issues, and weak teeth are not good candidates
- TMJ disorder: devices for obstructive sleep apnea can worsen your temporomandibular joint disorder
How do I get an oral appliance for obstructive sleep apnea?
To get an oral appliance you will visit us and go through the following steps
- Diagnosis: Your dentist will ask about your symptoms of sleep-related problems. You will have to undergo a sleep study or sleep test to know about the severity of your condition
- Treatment: Once you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, an oral appliance for the treatment will be suggested. There are a variety of oral appliances available, and your dentist will suggest the one best for you
- Impression: Impressions of your jaws will be taken which will be sent to the dental lab to make your custom-fitting dental appliance.
- Fitting: You will be called to the clinic to try the device and make any adjustments needed
- Follow-up: regular follow-up visits are planned to check the progress of your condition
How long does it take to get used to an oral appliance?
Fortunately, it doesn't take long. It will take only a few days to weeks to get used to it. Consistent use of the appliance will help you tolerate it better.
Risks / Benefits
Appliance therapy for sleep apnea carries some risks and benefits.
What are the side effects of oral appliance therapy for OSA?
Use of an oral appliance may cause these side effects;
- Increased drooling and salivation
- Dry mouth
- Irritation in gum
- Pain in your jaw, jaw joint, and muscles
- Allergic reaction to material
- Tooth fracture
- Damage to dental restorations
- Gagging
What are the benefits of oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
The efficacy of oral appliances has been proven through research. The other benefits they offer include;
- Non-invasive solution
- Comfortable
- Compliance
- Portable
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider about an oral appliance to treat obstructive sleep apnea?
You should ask your healthcare provider the following questions before considering oral appliance therapy
- Is oral appliance therapy suitable for your severity level of OSA?
- What options for oral appliances in the treatment do you have?
- Ask for maintenance and follow-up
- Ask for the cost and if your insurance covers the cost
Conclusions:
The effectiveness of oral appliance therapy has been proven over the years. It has proven to be a game-changer for people with snoring and sleep apnea, especially mild sleep apnea patients who can't tolerate CPAP. For more personalized guidance you need to consult us, contact us now!
Here at Houston Sleep Associates (HSA) in Houston, TX, we are passionate about quality sleep. Our years of experience ensure that each patient receives the best care that is customized to their unique needs and desires!
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