Dental Device for Sleep Apnea Questions and Answers

For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, two types of devices can be made: a dental appliance or an oral mandibular advancement device. These devices prevent the tongue from blocking the throat and/or advance the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open during sleep. A dentist with expertise in oral appliances for sleep disorders can determine if this treatment is best for you.

Oral devices work by stabilizing the airway, allowing oxygen to pass through unrestricted. During an apnea episode, the airways become restricted and the diaphragm and chest muscles work harder as the pressure increases to open the airway. Breathing usually resumes with a loud gasp, or after the body aggressively jerks itself to a partially awake state. These episodes can interfere with the quality of sleep, cause heart rhythm problems, and reduce the flow of oxygen to vital organs.

Oral devices work by holding the jaw in a fixed position—typically forward—throughout the night, or by holding the tongue so it does not disrupt airflow mid-sleep. This prevents sleep apnea episodes from occurring and can greatly improve the quality of sleep without disturbing those around them.

Yes, a dental appliance can help sleep apnea. By holding the jaw forward, oral appliances allow air to pass through the airways freely. This can help treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea, with symptoms significantly reduced or even completely diminished. Dental appliances are among the most common treatment option for sleep apnea and can be designed and fitted at a dentist’s office.

Oral appliance therapy offers many of the same health benefits as other treatment methods, including:

– Reduces the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
– Improves daytime alertness, concentration, and emotional stability

It also offers the following additional benefits:

Ease of use — Many patients prefer to use an oral appliance because it can be easy to wear. For most people, it can take a few weeks to get used to sleeping with an oral appliance.
Small and easy to transport — Traveling with sleep apnea is easy with an oral appliance. Unlike other sleep apnea treatments, oral appliances are small enough to fit in a purse or carry-on bag.

If you or someone you love has sleep apnea and does not want to use a CPAP machine, an oral appliance may be the solution you have been looking for! The kind and caring professionals at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders can help you find the best treatment for your unique situation. We are dedicated to delivering the highest level of service at each visit, for every patient. Call us today to book an appointment. We look forward to serving you!