Does a Dental Device for Sleep Apnea Work?
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can have devastating effects on your health, including increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cognitive issues, and depression. However, a dental device for sleep apnea can help open your airway and encourage consistent breathing throughout the night.
What are oral appliances for sleep apnea?
Dental devices for sleep apnea are custom-fitted to each patient’s mouth to mitigate the effects of mild to moderate OSA.
How does a dental device for sleep apnea work?
Sometimes called an anti-snoring mouthpiece, these oral appliances may adjust your bite or the placement of your tongue to keep your airway open as you sleep. We’ll get into how specific types work in greater detail below.
Are dental devices for sleep apnea safe?
Dental devices for sleep apnea are often prescribed by a dentist or other healthcare provider and are generally considered safe. They may cause various side effects, including jaw discomfort, bite changes, or potential issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Your provider will help you navigate any problems you encounter, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.
Who’s a good candidate for dental devices for sleep apnea?
While a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may be necessary for patients with severe sleep apnea, a dental appliance can be an excellent option for those with mild or moderate cases. If you have enough teeth to hold the appliance in place and no notable TMJ dysfunction, a dental device could be the perfect solution for sleep apnea.
Types of dental devices for sleep apnea
You’ll find two central types of dental devices for sleep apnea. Let’s explore the differences and discuss which of these options may best meet your needs:
Mandibular advancement devices
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) works by moving the lower jaw forward to open the airway. By holding your jaw in this position, MADs can prevent your tongue and soft tissue from obstructing airflow.
Many find them highly effective and more comfortable than a CPAP machine. However, it’s important to visit a dentist for a custom-fitted dental device for sleep apnea, as over-the-counter options can cause more discomfort and teeth shifting.
Tongue-stabilizing devices
Tongue-stabilizing devices and oral retainers hold your tongue in a forward position using a splint to keep the muscle from blocking your airway. They can be a good alternative for patients who can’t use MADs due to missing teeth or jaw problems, but many find them uncomfortable as they tend to dry out the mouth.
Which dental device is most effective?
Generally, mandibular advancement devices are considered more effective and comfortable than tongue-stabilizing devices, but your unique anatomy may impact which solution is right for you. Enlarged adenoids and tonsils may inhibit the efficacy of dental devices for sleep apnea, and people with a narrow maxilla bone (upper jaw) may require maxillary expansion therapy to tolerate a MAD.
Benefits of using a dental device for sleep apnea
In addition to the long-term side effects of sleep apnea, acute symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, and trouble concentrating can be just as disruptive. Here’s how a dental device for sleep apnea can help:
Improved sleep
People with OSA often experience constant sleep interruptions throughout the night. As they fall asleep, the muscles in the back of the throat relax, obstructing the airway and waking them up (even if they don’t realize it). Dental devices can be effective for sleep apnea since they keep the airway open and minimize snoring.
Greater comfort
Dental devices aren’t the only treatment options for sleep apnea, but they are among the most comfortable. CPAP machines rely on a mask that covers part of the face and may create red marks, pressure sores, and skin irritation. Upper airway stimulation requires invasive surgery to place a device beneath the skin, which uses nerve signals to move the tongue outward when it senses breathing disruptions.
An oral appliance is less invasive than both options above, and in many cases, easier to adjust to. Many patients say they feel more natural than using a CPAP machine, as they don’t depend on forced air.
Quiet alternative to a CPAP machine
Thanks to continuous airflow, CPAP machines create a constant hum while in use. Although some people may enjoy a bit of white noise to lull them to sleep, others may find it disruptive. If you sleep next to a light sleeper, a CPAP machine may keep them awake. On the other hand, dental devices for sleep apnea are silent, discreet, and unobtrusive.
Explore sleep apnea treatment options at Coral Reef Dental!
Coral Reef Dental can help you choose the best device to combat sleep apnea and finally get a better night’s sleep! Contact us today to book an appointment.