Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance

Oral Appliance Therapy Using A Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance

A growing treatment for the sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea is Oral Appliance Therapy treatment (OAT). Prescribed by a dentist specializing in sleep disorders, sometimes known as sleep apnea dentists, this treatment has been used in Canada for years as a successful treatment for some forms of sleep apnea. In recent years, the treatment has grown dramatically in popularity, particularly in the United States, and is seen as a welcome alternative to the positive airway pressure, or PAP treatment. The Oral Appliance Therapy treatment involves the use of a sleep apnea dental appliance prescribed by the dentist, usually in the form of a specialized mouthpiece.

This sleep apnea dental appliance is an easy to use, comfortable device that works painlessly while you sleep. The mouthpiece is simply inserted before the patient lies down to go to sleep and it can help to reduce, or sometimes even prevent, the pauses in breathing that is caused by sleep apnea. It is most commonly used for obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by the relaxation of the muscles involved in the breathing process during the hours of sleep. This relaxation leads to the narrowing of the airways, and eventually it causes the lapses in breathing that are typically associated with sleep apnea.

A sleep apnea dental appliance works by shifting the lower jaw during sleep and holding it in place. Adjusting the jaw with this sleep apnea dental appliance keeps the airway open during the times of sleep. By doing this, it helps offset the potential of lapsed breathing when the muscles relax. The airway will be kept open and normal breathing can be maintained throughout the night.

Is A Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance Right for You?

Sleep apnea dental appliances are generally only used for mild to moderate levels of sleep apnea, and generally only when it is caused due to obstructive sleep apnea. Other forms of sleep apnea and more serious sleep apnea generally will not be positively affected by the use of the mouthpiece device. In these situations, other treatment options are prescribed, such as certain medications or the use of the positive airway pressure device.

The sleep apnea dental appliance mouthpiece is a preferred alternative to the standard positive airway pressure device generally used in the past for many individuals. The PAP device involves the use of pressurized air tanks and the use of face or nose masks, which can be seen as obtrusive and awkward to wear. The simple mouthpiece design is a welcome alternative due to its ability to help with the symptoms of sleep apnea while maintaining its low profile.

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and are looking for a successful treatment method without having to resort to the potentially costly and obtrusive positive airway pressure devices, be sure to contact your sleep apnea dentist about the sleep apnea dental appliances that are available. It can be a cost effective and welcome simple device alternative to the traditional methods to help return you to healthy, restful, safe sleep patterns.