Oral Appliance Therapy

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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.

Tongue retaining devices

These devices hold the tongue in a forward position using suction. They are designed to prevent the tongue from falling back into the airway, which can cause sleep apnea symptoms. These devices are also adjustable, which allows the option to fine-tune the tongue position to achieve the most optimal results.

Hybrid devices

These devices combine elements of mandibular advancement devices and tongue-retaining devices. These devices are designed to hold both the jaw and tongue in a forward position, which helps to open the airway and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

There are several benefits to using oral device therapy for sleep apnea:

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Non-invasive:

Oral devices are small and discreet, making them a comfortable and non-invasive treatment option. They do not require any surgical procedures and have a minimal risk of complications.
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Easy to use:

Oral devices are easy to use and do not require any special setup or maintenance. Simply put the device in your mouth before going to bed and remove it in the morning. This makes them a very convenient treatment option.
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Portable:

Oral devices are easy to pack and take with you when traveling, allowing you to continue to care for your sleep apnea symptoms, even when away from your home, maintaining a consistent treatment regimen.
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Customizable:

Oral devices are customized to fit your teeth and meet your specific needs. This ensures a comfortable fit and maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment. We will take a digitial impression of your teeth and create a custom-fit device that is specific to your anatomy.
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Effective:

Oral device therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing sleep apnea symptoms and improving sleep quality. Studies have shown that oral devices can decrease the number of apneas and hypopneas (partial blockages of the airway) and improve oxygenation during sleep.
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Comfortable:

Many people find oral devices to be more comfortable than other treatment options, such as CPAP machines. Oral devices are small and should not impede your ability to close your mouth, which can make it easier for people to sleep comfortably.

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 will be able to assess your specific needs and determine whether oral device therapy is the right treatment option for you. If a sleep study is needed, or an updated one (we require all sleep studies to have been completed less than three years prior to 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 option that can effectively manage sleep apnea and improve sleep quality. 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.

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