Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral Appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for sleep apnea.
Oral Appliance therapy involves wearing a custom fit dental device in your mouth while you sleep. This treatment option works by holding the lower jaw in a slightly open, slightly forward position, which helps to keep the airway open and prevents the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the throat. The collapsing of these tissues can cause sleep apnea symptoms such as loud snoring, frequent awakenings, choking during sleep, and gasping for air.
Different types of oral devices are available, and Dr. Silver will choose the one that is best for you based on your specific needs, anatomy, and preferences. Some common types of oral devices include:
Mandibular advancement devices
These custom-made devices fit over the upper and lower teeth and hold the lower jaw in a slightly open and forward position. It works by repositioning the jaw, tongue, and soft palate, which helps to open the airway and reduce sleep apnea symptoms. These devices are adjustable, allowing the healthcare provider and you to fine-tune the jaw position to achieve optimal results.
There are several benefits to using oral device therapy for sleep apnea:
Non-invasive:
Easy to use:
Oral devices, often used in oral appliance therapy, are easy to use and have become increasingly popular in Independence, Missouri, due to their convenience. They do not require any special setup or maintenance. Simply put the device in your mouth before bed and remove it in the morning, making it a convenient treatment option.
Portable:
Customizable:
Oral devices are customized to fit your teeth and meet your specific needs, ensuring a comfortable fit and maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment. We will take a digital impression of your teeth and create a custom-fit device specific to your anatomy, offering expert oral appliance therapy near Independence, MO.
Effective:
Comfortable:
If you’re interested in trying oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea treatment, the first step is to book a sleep health consultation with us. We specialize in oral appliance therapy at our clinic in Independence, MO. We will be able to assess your specific needs and determine whether this treatment option is right for you. If a sleep study or an updated one (we require all sleep studies to have been completed less than three years before starting treatment) is needed, we can facilitate a study for you.
If we recommend oral appliance therapy, we will work with you to choose the right device and ensure that it fits properly. We will also provide instructions on properly using and caring for the device and manage your treatment.
It is important to wear the device as directed and to follow any other treatment recommendations, such as making lifestyle changes, to ensure the best possible outcome. These lifestyle changes may include losing weight, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and changing your sleep position.
Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment that effectively manages sleep apnea and improves sleep quality. If you’re in Independence, MO, and considering oral appliance therapy, call us to learn more and see if this treatment option is right for you. Remember, sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment to manage symptoms, so it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider and follow your treatment plan for the best possible outcome.
Already a patient of ours? Use this video here to help strengthen your jaw muscles, which will help you as you wear the oral device.