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://stunningsmilesoflakeforest.com or call Stunning Smiles of Lake Forest at (949) 258-7433 for an appointment in our Lake Forest office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Lake Forest, CA.
Considering Invisalign®? Read on to learn more about this discreet teeth-straightening treatment. Traditional metal braces are the first thing that comes to our minds when we think about orthodontic treatment. Yet, more and more people are shying away from braces because the metal wires and brackets tend to attract unwanted attention to our teeth. Invisalign…
If you plan to get Invisalign®, you should know that oral hygiene is important. Read on to learn about the importance of oral hygiene during Invisalign teeth straightening treatment. This highly successful therapy straightens your teeth using custom-made transparent aligners in roughly the same length of time as conventional braces. The aligners are discreet, making…
Invisalign® is a system of transparent aligners that are custom-made to fit a person's teeth. Like braces, it corrects alignment by delivering different levels of pressure to individual teeth. Since everyone has a unique smile, you will need a custom-made pair of Invisalign clear aligners. This article provides information on how clear aligners are custom-made…
Children need special dental care to support their oral health and development. Pediatric dentistry is important for keeping kids' teeth and gums healthy from infancy to their teenage years. A dental professional who is trained in pediatric dentistry can meet the unique needs of young patients, making it essential for parents to take their children…