Are Dental Appliances Effective For Treating Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person’s breathing to momentarily stop throughout the night, resulting in brief awakenings. For people with obstructive apnea, this cessation in breathing results from a blocked airway. In some cases, a dental appliance can keep the airway open, allowing the person to sleep without disruption.
How does a dental appliance work?
Dental oral appliances are worn at night while sleeping and serve the purpose of forcing the jaw and tongue into a position that helps keep the airway open. There are several different types of devices that patients can choose from. Some models are like retainers made from plastic or a more flexible material worn over the top and bottom teeth. Called mandibular advancement devices, this type of appliance moves the jaw forward. An alternative option is a tongue retaining device, which holds the patient’s tongue in either a plastic or silicone shell.
It is recommended that patients visit a dentist to have a dental appliance made. Unlike products purchased over the counter, devices provided by a dentist are custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth. This can increase comfort and effectiveness when worn on a consistent basis.
Who can benefit from using a dental appliance?
While some people find relief from apnea-related symptoms with a dental appliance, not everyone can benefit from this treatment option. There are several factors that determine if a person is a good candidate for this alternative therapy.
Apnea-hypopnea index
A dental oral appliance is only a suitable treatment option for people with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. When a person is diagnosed with sleep apnea, a rating is given based on the apnea-hypopnea index. This scale takes into account how many apnea episodes a person experiences divided by the total number of hours of sleep. A person with an AHI of 30 or more is considered to have severe sleep apnea. For these individuals, a CPAP machine or other treatment is required to keep the airway open.
Jaw pain
For people with a temporomandibular joint disorder or sensitive jaws, an oral appliance may worsen symptoms. This issue is most present in people who use a mandibular advancement device as the forward jaw position can lead to general soreness and headaches.
CPAP machine success
If a person is having difficulties using a continuous positive airway pressure machine to address their sleep apnea, an oral device can be a more comfortable treatment option. CPAP machines make a noise when turned on, which can be disruptive for the person using the therapy and any sleeping partners. Some people also find wearing a full mask hard to adjust to, especially if it is causing any facial dryness or sores.
Conclusion
Speaking with a dentist is a good way to learn if using a dental appliance is right for you. If your sleep apnea is moderate and TMD is not an issue, an oral device can provide a comfortable solution that does not require the use of a noisy machine or intrusive mask.
Request an appointment here: https://adcroundrock.com or call Round Rock Dental Office at (512) 720-5868 for an appointment in our Round Rock office.
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