How a Dental Oral Appliance Helps with Sleep Apnea

sleep apnea Bellevue, WA

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes people to stop breathing for a few seconds at regular intervals while sleeping. When the air passages are blocked, airflow is restricted temporarily, reducing the amount of oxygen the brain gets. The condition has physiological and mental implications for the patient and can cause unwanted side effects. An available treatment option for sleep apnea are oral appliances, which are provided by dentists.

Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea

Oral appliances are created to be worn inside the oral cavity by a patient while sleeping. They prevent the air passages from closing or collapsing and ensure free and easy breathing. The device is highly effective for treating mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.

There are several types of oral devices available for treating sleep apnea and snoring. These devices will either move the lower jaw forward or work as tongue retaining appliances. Each aims to prevent or restrict the tongue from falling backward and inhibiting the airway.

A mandibular advancement device (MAD) looks like a mouthguard. The device fits over the top and bottom teeth and the two halves are held together by hinges. Once in place, the MAD shifts the lower jaw forward, stabilizing the tongue and soft palate to ensure the airway stays open during sleep.

Tongue retaining devices are less frequently recommended. They are splint-like appliances that work by holding the tongue forward. They are not as comfortable or as user-friendly as the mandibular advancement device.

Boil and bite devices are procured over the counter as a one-size-fits-all. The patient will immerse it into hot water and then bite into it to fit. They are cheap alternatives, but they are not nearly as effective as custom-made dental devices. They may even worsen the problem.

A patient with sleep apnea will benefit from getting a custom-made appliance from their dentist, especially if they habitually grind their teeth or like to sleep on their back or stomach. A custom device will improve quality of sleep, reduce the rate and intensity of snoring and minimize the number of breathing cessations that occur during the night. Generally, there is a higher compliance rate with oral appliances than CPAP machines.

Points to consider

Dental appliances have proven successful in managing sleep apnea on a long-term basis when compared to traditional surgery treatment for sleep apnea, which involves removing the soft tissues at the back of the throat.

There are, however, drawbacks to the use of oral appliances. Prolonged usage can sometimes cause changed bite, dry lips, excessive salivation, and movement or pain in the teeth. The dentist will continually monitor the patient to ensure the effectiveness of the oral device.

In conclusion

If you are considering getting an oral dental appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea, you need to discuss it with your general dentist first. The dentist will assess the condition to know if you will benefit from the device. In severe cases of sleep apnea, the CPAP device may be used together with an oral appliance for successful treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com or call Artisan Dental at (425) 454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.

Related Posts

Oral Hygiene Basics: Bad Habits To Avoid

Having a firm understanding of oral hygiene basics can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and general oral discomfort. Human beings go through life developing a range of habits that impact oral health, some of which are good and some of which are bad. Avoiding these damaging behaviors promotes strong teeth and gums that can last…

Oral Hygiene Basics: Good Habits To Maintain

Keeping up with oral hygiene basics can prevent cavities and other issues with your teeth. Proper daily care can also stop discoloration of the teeth and reduce bad breath. Here are some dental habits that people can benefit from including as part of a daily routine.One of the most important parts of oral hygiene is…

Oral Hygiene Basics: Choosing The Best Diet For Your Teeth

Healthy teeth are a vital part of being able to eat and enjoy food, but certain foods can be more harmful to dental health than others. Learning about foods that help and hurt the teeth is an important part of oral hygiene basics that can be helpful in guiding the choices people make when caring…

Oral Hygiene Basics: The Importance Of Flossing Everyday

Though brushing your teeth is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, flossing is just as vital. Here is how flossing can strengthen your teeth and benefit your overall health.Flossing is an essential part of your oral care routine because it removes plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that bacteria…