What to Expect When Adjusting to Your Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance

There are many reasons why you might prefer an oral appliance over a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, such as comfort or the lack of noise. However, when you first get your appliance, you will likely need some time to get used to wearing it. Knowing what to expect can help make the adjustment process go smoother, so here’s a closer look at what might happen at the start of your oral appliance therapy.

What Does the Adjustment Period for a New Oral Appliance Look Like?

When you first start wearing your oral appliance, it may feel odd at first, and you are likely to notice some tightness. On top of that, you may start drooling more than usual; this is due to the mouth assuming that the appliance is food and producing saliva in response.

If you have a particularly powerful gag reflex, you may have difficulties putting in your oral appliance at first. Furthermore, there’s a chance that you may unconsciously take your appliance out of your mouth while you’re asleep. Some patients even throw their appliances across the room without realizing it!

The important thing to remember about the adjustment process is that it’s temporary. After about two to three weeks of wearing the appliance, your brain will learn to ignore any discomfort that it causes, and saliva production should go back to normal.

What Can You Do During the Adjustment Process?

If you want to make it easier for your body to adjust to your oral appliance, the best thing you can do is wear it more often. Try putting it in your mouth for a few minutes at a time at multiple points during the day. When you are wearing your appliance, focus on breathing through your nose, and keep your body as relaxed as possible. This should make it easier to ensure that your appliance isn’t removed during the night without you knowing it.

What If Adjustment is Taking Longer Than Normal?

If it has been three weeks and you still aren’t used to your oral appliance, you should talk to your sleep dentist. There may be an issue with the way the appliance was made, so you might benefit from having it adjusted or replaced.

Take whatever steps you need to in order to adjust to your oral appliance. The sooner you can wear it without issue, the sooner you can start enjoying more restful nights again.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry. She has completed many continuing education courses about snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. She helps her patients overcome their sleep-disordered breathing with fully personalized oral appliances. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Romack at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.