Categories: Sleep Apnea

Dental Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Treatment

For people with obstructive sleep apnea, a dental oral appliance is a common alternative to a continuous positive airway pressure machine, which is the treatment most often used to address this type of sleep disorder. A dentist can create a customized device similar to a mouthguard or retainer that fits over the teeth. If a patient has had trouble using a CPAP machine, it helps to know how a dental appliance works to reduce snoring and promote healthy sleep.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a type of disorder that disrupts a person’s sleep due to periods of interrupted breathing. There are three main categories of this condition, including obstructive sleep apnea, central apnea, and mixed apnea. OSA is the most common of the three types and occurs when a person’s breathing stops due to a blocked or collapsed upper airway. This results in a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood, signaling the body to wake up in order to breathe.

How can a dental appliance help treat sleep apnea?

The use of a CPAP machine or oral appliance is beneficial for people with OSA. Many people use a CPAP machine at night while sleeping, which uses a mask to deliver pure, pressurized air using a fan and filter. However, this treatment method is not ideal for everyone. Some people find it difficult to sleep with the noise the machine makes or find the mask uncomfortable.

In these situations, a dental appliance can help address the sleep disorder in a less obtrusive manner. While this solution may not be effective for people with very severe apnea, people with mild or moderate apnea may benefit from the way a mouthpiece places the mouth in a more favorable position for keeping the airway open. There are two main types of devices used for this purpose: Tongue retaining devices and mandibular advancement devices.

Tongue retaining device

Among people with sleep apnea, a larger-than-average tongue or excess tongue fat at the base can sometimes contribute to the condition. Additionally, lower placement of the tongue in the mouth can obstruct the airway and cause other breathing problems. A tongue retaining device pulls the tongue into a forward position. These mouthpieces typically feature a bulb section that the tongue sits inside and an area for the teeth to bite down on or a raised section that rests against the lips.

Mandibular advancement device

A mandibular advancement device looks similar to a mouthguard and is designed to move the jaw and tongue forward. When purchased from a dentist, a custom guard can be made that is designed to fit snugly over the teeth. The splint is only worn at night and can also help with snoring.

Conclusion

Living with obstructive sleep apnea can leave a person feeling tired during the day and restless at night. If you are not experiencing good results with a CPAP machine, talk to a dentist about using a dental appliance to help you get a better night’s sleep and feel more energized during the day.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.

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

Recent Posts

What To Do When You Have A Broken Tooth: Expert Dental Advice

Having a broken tooth can be a stressful situation, but it does not need to permanently alter your smile. Knowing what to do immediately after a tooth breaks or if it cracks can mean the difference between needing an implant later and saving the original tooth.A broken tooth is an urgent matter, and in many…

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: The Importance Of Cleaning Your Tongue

Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While many people pay careful attention to their teeth and gums, the tongue is often neglected. However, this large surface of the mouth should also be cleaned on a daily basis. Doing so can help many people enjoy better…

Oral Hygiene Basics: What Are Tartar And Plaque?

Although many people believe that plaque and tartar are the same, they actually have significant differences. Understanding the distinctions between these two dental conditions can help you identify their warning signs and practice oral hygiene basics to avoid them.Plaque is a soft film containing millions of bacteria that build up on your teeth, gums, and…

Dr. Jalpa Dave

Share
Published by
Dr. Jalpa Dave

Recent Posts

What to Do When You Have a Broken Tooth: Expert Dental Advice

Having a broken tooth can be a stressful situation, but it does not need to…

4 days ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: Good Habits To Maintain

Keeping up with oral hygiene basics can prevent cavities and other issues with your teeth.…

7 days ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: The Importance of Cleaning Your Tongue

Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum…

2 weeks ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: What Are Tartar and Plaque?

Although many people believe that plaque and tartar are the same, they actually have significant…

3 weeks ago

3 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Oral Hygiene Basics

When you visit the dentist, you expect to get your teeth cleaned and learn the…

4 weeks ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: Try to Stop Gum Disease Before it Starts

Chronic or severe gum disease can lead to infections, loose teeth, and eventually permanent tooth…

1 month ago