For people with obstructive sleep apnea, a dental oral appliance is a common alternative to a continuous positive airway pressure machine, which is the treatment most often used to address this type of sleep disorder. A dentist can create a customized device similar to a mouthguard or retainer that fits over the teeth. If a patient has had trouble using a CPAP machine, it helps to know how a dental appliance works to reduce snoring and promote healthy sleep.
Sleep apnea is a type of disorder that disrupts a person’s sleep due to periods of interrupted breathing. There are three main categories of this condition, including obstructive sleep apnea, central apnea, and mixed apnea. OSA is the most common of the three types and occurs when a person’s breathing stops due to a blocked or collapsed upper airway. This results in a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood, signaling the body to wake up in order to breathe.
The use of a CPAP machine or oral appliance is beneficial for people with OSA. Many people use a CPAP machine at night while sleeping, which uses a mask to deliver pure, pressurized air using a fan and filter. However, this treatment method is not ideal for everyone. Some people find it difficult to sleep with the noise the machine makes or find the mask uncomfortable.
In these situations, a dental appliance can help address the sleep disorder in a less obtrusive manner. While this solution may not be effective for people with very severe apnea, people with mild or moderate apnea may benefit from the way a mouthpiece places the mouth in a more favorable position for keeping the airway open. There are two main types of devices used for this purpose: Tongue retaining devices and mandibular advancement devices.
Among people with sleep apnea, a larger-than-average tongue or excess tongue fat at the base can sometimes contribute to the condition. Additionally, lower placement of the tongue in the mouth can obstruct the airway and cause other breathing problems. A tongue retaining device pulls the tongue into a forward position. These mouthpieces typically feature a bulb section that the tongue sits inside and an area for the teeth to bite down on or a raised section that rests against the lips.
A mandibular advancement device looks similar to a mouthguard and is designed to move the jaw and tongue forward. When purchased from a dentist, a custom guard can be made that is designed to fit snugly over the teeth. The splint is only worn at night and can also help with snoring.
Living with obstructive sleep apnea can leave a person feeling tired during the day and restless at night. If you are not experiencing good results with a CPAP machine, talk to a dentist about using a dental appliance to help you get a better night’s sleep and feel more energized during the day.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Oral surgery is sometimes necessary to correct issues that are beyond treatment from basic restorative or preventive care. A general dentist trained in oral surgery can often provide a variety of in-office procedures, offering both convenience and continuity of care. These treatments are performed in a comfortable setting, and they support long-term oral health, improve…
A general dentist steps into the role of a restorative dentist when repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth. Restorative dentistry is so common that almost everyone has had one of these procedures at some time. Here is a closer look at the role of the restorative dentist and the most common procedures in this…
A good restorative dentist can treat dental chipping right away. This type of dental injury can result from biting hard foods. It can also be due to falls, accidents, fights, and sports injuries. Here are the details on how your restorative dentist can rebuild your chipped teeth.This is a quick way to restore a chipped…
Restorative and cosmetic dentistry are dental disciplines that offer similar services. However, they serve distinct purposes and treatment goals. Understanding the differences between a restorative dentist and a cosmetic dentist can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.Restorative dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses primarily on repairing or replacing damaged or missing…
Oral surgery is sometimes necessary to correct issues that are beyond treatment from basic restorative or preventive care. A general dentist trained in oral surgery can often provide a variety of in-office procedures, offering both convenience and continuity of care. These treatments are performed in a comfortable setting, and they support long-term oral health, improve…
A general dentist steps into the role of a restorative dentist when repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth. Restorative dentistry is so common that almost everyone has had one of these procedures at some time. Here is a closer look at the role of the restorative dentist and the most common procedures in this…