Sleep apnea dentists use oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. They work closely with sleep physicians to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatments.
Oral appliances look like orthodontic retainers and can be used as a substitute for CPAP machines. They help keep the airway open and reduce snoring and fatigue.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
The most popular type of sleep apnea dentist Raleigh NC device is the mandibular advancement device (MAD). These appliances are designed to hold the lower jaw and tongue forward, which helps keep the airway open during sleep. MADs are used for the treatment of both snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They are often less expensive than CPAP and have fewer side effects.
MADs can be custom or semi-custom, fabricated to fit your mouth with the help of digital scans or impressions. The type of MAD you receive depends on your specific needs and the type of obstructive sleep apnea you have. You will need regular follow-up appointments to make sure your MAD is working properly.
Some studies suggest that patients who have a younger age, lower body mass index (BMI), smaller neck circumference, narrower airway, shorter soft palate, and higher therapeutic CPAP pressures during prior CPAP use may be more likely to respond to MAD therapy. In addition, a greater amount of mandibular advancement is associated with improved MAD therapy outcomes.
Tongue Retaining Mouthpieces
As a comfortable, convenient alternative to traditional Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, sleep apnea mouthpieces have become popular among patients who suffer from this pervasive disorder. By gently repositioning the jaw or tongue during sleep, they help maintain an open airway and reduce the severity of apnea episodes.
These oral appliances come in two main forms: mandibular advancement devices and tongue retaining devices. MADs work by repositioning the lower jaw, and they are the most common type of sleep apnea mouthpiece. They resemble mouthguards and are custom-fitted by a dental professional for optimal comfort and effectiveness. Tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs) are less common, but they may be a suitable option for patients who cannot use MADs due to unique jaw structures or smaller mouths.
Like any other oral appliance, sleep apnea dentist Raleigh NC mouthpieces must be properly cared for in order to retain their durability and effectiveness. They should be cleaned daily using a mouthwash or mild soap, stored in a protective case, and periodically assessed for signs of wear and tear. To ensure maximum safety, patients should also schedule regular visits to their dentist for oral health evaluations and device maintenance. These visits will allow a trained TMJ dentist to address any concerns before they become more serious, and to make sure that the mouthpiece is providing the desired results.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances do not require any external power source and are small, portable, quiet, and easy to maintain. A daily brushing, a weekly deep cleaning (soak in denture cleaner or white vinegar solution), and a fresh supply of mouth rinse keep the device bacteria-free.
These appliances fit into the user’s mouth, like a retainer or mouth guard, or in the case of tongue retaining devices, like a pacifier. There are different varieties, but all are simple, one-size-fits-all plastic shells that can be softened in hot water to achieve a custom fit.
They are effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, and in improving important outcomes in select patients with moderate to severe OSA. They are reversible, noninvasive, quiet, and cost-effective, and they can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery, weight loss, or CPAP.
They are also the preferred treatment for those who cannot tolerate CPAP or are poor surgical candidates. Oral appliance therapy can also reduce the risk of many serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression, and a decreased immune system. It can also improve work performance, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life. The good news is that medical insurance often covers the cost of dental appliances for sleep apnea dentist Raleigh NC.
