What is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Therapy?

It is estimated that at least 18 million Americans suffer from a disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. It causes you to stop breathing frequently while sleeping due to your airways becoming blocked by your soft tissues in your throat collapsing. Not only will it negatively impact your quality of life but your health as well if you do not treat it. Now, the most common and preferred option for sleep apnea therapy involves the use of an oral appliance. Your dentist can provide you with the custom-fit device to breathe easier to sleep soundly.

What is an Oral Appliance?

In the past, sleep apnea was often treated using a CPAP machine, which delivers a gentle stream of air through a mask that is worn over your nose while you sleep. Although it is effective for keeping your airways open to stop pauses in breathing, it has a low compliance rate.

As an alternative, many people have come to prefer an oral appliance. This features a device that is custom-fit to your upper and lower teeth. It features a hinge-like mechanism to connect the two pieces to one another. It then repositions your lower jaw to protrude in a forward position. Your tongue is also repositioned forward by its base to keep it out of your airway. As a result, you not only stop snoring, but you also keep your airway open.

As an effective and low-risk treatment, oral appliances for sleep apnea are often the perfect alternative to a CPAP or surgery.

What are the Benefits of an Oral Appliance?

In addition to protecting your health from the complications of sleep apnea, an oral appliance offers many benefits. When compared to a CPAP, the appliance has a compliance rate of up to 50% due to its features and advantages that are not possible with other treatment options, such as:

• Easy to Use
• Comfortable
• Less noticeable
• Silent
• Easy to carry for traveling
• Affordable

Is an Oral Appliance Right for Me?

If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea and have failed to manage your condition with a CPAP, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive consultation to ensure that it is the best treatment to meet your needs. In some cases, they may recommend the use of a CPAP in addition to the appliance.

Sleep Soundly Tonight!

With an oral appliance, you can take control of your sleep quality by improving your ability to breathe easily. The simple, affordable, and effective solution will allow you to manage your sleep apnea to protect your health and your quality of life.

About Dr. Deborah A. Romack

Dr. Deborah A. Romack completed her dental degree in 1998, graduating with honors. She continued her training in advanced general dentistry, orthodontics, TMJ disorders, and sleep dentistry. She provides the latest solutions to help her patients promote their overall well-being. If you have sleep apnea, she has the options you need to treat the condition. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.