Treating Sleep Apnea With Oral Appliance Therapy
It may be surprising to some, but did you know your dentist can actually help with sleep apnea? The dentist is able to prescribe and fit you for a special oral appliance that can assist with proper airflow throughout the night. Here is what you should know about these devices.
What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for at least 10 seconds in your sleep on a regular basis. The severity of sleep apnea depends on how often you stop breathing in the duration of an hour. Snoring can be a sign of partial sleep apnea; so are gasps and chokes when breathing is resumed. The cessation of breath is due to the muscles in the throat and mouth relaxing to the point where they restrict the airway. Along with constant fatigue from a lack of proper sleep, sleep apnea can lead to long-term complications such as cardiac issues and strokes.
The oral appliances
The purpose of oral appliances is to help prevent sleep apnea through placement in the mouth. Thanks to mandibular advancement devices and tongue retaining mouthpieces, oral appliances are a step down from having to use advanced equipment to treat sleep apnea.
Mandibular advancement device
Similar to orthodontic retainers, the mandibular advancement device (MAD) fits over the lower and upper teeth and is connected by hinges. The jaw and tongue are moved and kept forward by the MAD so that during the night the airway and airflow are never restricted.
Tongue retaining mouthpiece
These are built similar to the MADs but are kept in place via suction from a compartment around the tongue that keeps it forward. With the tongue retaining mouthpiece, the jaw is not kept forward for those who are unable to have their jaw do so.
Possible complications
The oral appliances used to treat sleep apnea do have some drawbacks and possible complications that need to be watched for and discussed with your dentist before using the appliance. They include the following:
- The appliances lead to increased amounts of saliva in the mouth, requiring frequent swallowing.
- Damage to teeth and soft tissues in the mouth and jaw muscles and joints is possible.
- The appliance can cause discomfort, especially in the morning. This may result in people not wanting to use the device as often as they should.
- The sleep apnea may be too severe for an oral appliance to be effective.
Conclusion
Oral appliances require a proper fitting in order to be effective for sleep apnea treatment, but they are simple and effective devices. Frequent visits with your dentist for any fitting changes as well as monitoring the effectiveness of your oral appliance can help you find the right fit to aid you in your sleep therapy. You do not need to suffer through sleep apnea affects when your dentist can help you with a simple device.
Are you considering getting an oral appliance for sleep apnea in the Albuquerque area? Get more information at https://familychoicedentistry.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Do I Have Sleep Apnea.
Related Posts
After experiencing a tooth injury, you have a better chance of saving your tooth if you go to an emergency dentistry office as soon as possible. Even if the tooth is knocked out, attempt to locate and bring along any tooth fragments. You are probably in a lot of pain if you have had a…
Cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. A general dentist can assess your mouth and perform some of the treatments you need. You can also get a referral to another dental care provider for more complex treatments. Here are the common cosmetic dentistry procedures that you should consider.This field of dentistry…
A dental veneer is a thin cap that fits over a damaged tooth. It creates the appearance of a new white tooth. Dental veneers are a popular option for repairing minor chips and damage. They can also make the teeth appear straight without resorting to orthodontics. Compared to surgery, fitting a dental veneer is a…
Teeth whitening is an important aspect of maintaining great oral hygiene as at some point in life; an individual would face the problem of discoloration or struggle to maintain white teeth. If individuals consume coffee, red wine, or tea, for example, they may develop stains over time. Discoloration can be caused using chewing or smoking…