Sleep apnea is a common but serious disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often because of the airway collapsing or becoming blocked. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can significantly impact your health, energy levels, and daily life.
While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are popular, they’re not always well-tolerated. For a more comfortable and discreet alternative, oral appliance therapy has emerged as an effective solution.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment for sleep apnea that involves wearing a custom-made medical device in your mouth while you sleep. It looks a lot like a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer.
The device works by gently shifting your lower jaw and tongue into a slightly forward position. This simple movement keeps your airway open and clear while you sleep.
By preventing your airway from collapsing, the appliance allows you to breathe normally throughout the entire night. These devices are specially designed and fitted by a dentist who has extra training in treating sleep disorders.
Oral Appliance Treatment: Benefits for Sleep Apnea Sufferers
Comfort and Convenience
A major benefit of oral appliance therapy is that it’s much more comfortable and easier to use than a CPAP machine. CPAP requires wearing a mask connected to a loud machine that forces air into your airways. Many people find this setup to be bulky and uncomfortable, so they often stop using it after a while.
Oral appliances are small, quiet, and easy to carry around. They’re great for travel and daily use. They don’t need electricity, tubes, or a lot of cleaning. This makes people more likely to use them every night.
Better Sleep and More Energy
Oral appliances keep your airway open so you can sleep without constant interruptions. People who use them often wake up feeling more rested and notice they have more energy during the day. They also find it easier to focus and often feel in a better mood.
Getting better sleep can improve how you function at work, school, and home. Many people also find that their morning headaches and daytime tiredness go away after starting treatment.
Improves Overall Health
If you don’t treat sleep apnea, it can cause serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. By effectively treating sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can help protect your long-term health. For people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, or those who can’t use CPAP, oral appliances are a proven way to reduce these health risks.
Personalized for Your Needs
Oral appliances are custom-made just for you. A dentist who specializes in sleep medicine will take impressions of your mouth to create a device that fits you perfectly. This makes the appliance more comfortable and effective.
You’ll also have follow-up visits to adjust the device as needed, making sure it continues to work well. This personalized approach is especially helpful for people who don’t like one-size-fits-all options like standard CPAP masks.
Team-Based Care
Treating sleep apnea with an oral appliance involves both your doctor and your dentist working together. After a sleep study confirms you have sleep apnea, a specially trained dentist will work with your doctor to choose the right device for you. This team approach ensures you get the best care possible and that your treatment is monitored and adjusted over time.
Is an Oral Appliance Right for You?
An oral appliance isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great option for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea or for those who can’t use CPAP. If you think you might have sleep apnea or aren’t happy with your current treatment, talk to your doctor or a sleep-trained dentist. They can help you figure out if an oral appliance is a comfortable and practical solution for you.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Hampton Roads, VA
At Coastal Sleep & TMJ, we know the connection between your oral health and overall health. Sleep disorders can cause dry mouth, grinding, and other dental complications. If you suffer with sleep apnea and struggle with a CPAP machine, oral appliance therapy may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.