Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: five minutes.
If you or someone you know has sleep apnea, you understand the nightly struggle it brings.
Snoring, disrupted breathing, and restless sleep are just the tip of the iceberg. This common sleep disorder not only affects your rest but also impacts your overall health, increasing the risk of serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and many more.
Fortunately, oral appliance therapy offers a non-invasive and effective way to manage this condition, bringing relief to obstructive sleep apnea patients and their loved ones 😁.
In this blog, we will explore what oral appliance therapy is, how it works, and its benefits in treating sleep apnea.
Table of Contents
- What Is Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea?
- How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
- How to Know If You Have Sleep Apnea
- Potential Side Effects and Considerations
- Ready to Improve Your Sleep? Visit Our Dental Office in Colorado
Key Takeaway
Oral appliances offer a comfortable, effective, and non-invasive solution for sleep apnea, helping patients achieve better sleep, improved health, and greater convenience compared to CPAP machines.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea?
Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a custom-fitted device, similar to a mouthguard, during sleep.
These dental devices work by repositioning your jaw and tongue forward to keep the airway open, addressing the soft tissue collapse that causes obstructive sleep apnea.
Common types of appliances include mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices.
This therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who struggle with traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
It’s also a great anti-snoring solution for patients who snore but do not have sleep apnea.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
Mandibular advancement devices move your lower jaw forward and prevents your tongue from blocking your airway.
Tongue-retaining devices, on the other hand, work by holding the tongue in a forward position, preventing it from collapsing into the throat.
Both aim to prevent interruptions in breathing during sleep, improve oxygen flow, and reduce symptoms like fatigue, high blood pressure, and daytime drowsiness.
What mouthpiece does Joe Rogan use for sleep apnea? If you have been exploring sleep apnea treatments, you might have heard Joe Rogan discuss his experience with oral appliance therapy. On his podcast, Rogan highlighted the convenience and effectiveness of using a custom-fitted sleep apnea appliance to manage sleep apnea and snoring. To hear Rogan’s take, check out this video clip.Disclaimer: This video contains some profane language. Viewer discretion advised. |
How to Know If You Have Sleep Apnea
Symptoms like chronic snoring, interrupted sleep, daytime sleepiness, waking up gasping for air, and difficulty concentrating during the day are common signs.
It can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular consequences, chronic conditions, and even cognitive decline. A sleep study is the best way to diagnose this condition.
Sleep specialists can evaluate your sleep patterns, identify whether you have obstructive or central sleep apnea, and recommend the right type of treatment.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
- Non-invasive and comfortable: Unlike CPAP therapy, oral appliances are compact and easy to wear.
- Improved sleep quality: When your airway is open, it reduces snoring and prevents interruptions, leading to restorative sleep that improves daytime energy and focus.
- Health advantages: If you address sleep apnea you lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, periodontal disease, teeth clenching and grinding, frequent headaches, and even stroke.
- Custom-fit for maximum effectiveness: These devices are tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring optimal results and comfort.
- Convenience: Lightweight and portable, oral appliances are ideal for travel, unlike CPAP machines that require setup and maintenance.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
It’s essential to work with a dentist experienced in oral appliance treatment to find the perfect fit for your needs. Custom-fit devices ensure a better outcome compared to over-the-counter options, which often fail to address the unique structure of each patient’s airway.
Oral appliances are generally safe, but some patients may experience mild dental side effects, such as jaw discomfort, dry mouth, or occlusal changes.
Regular follow-ups can address these issues and ensure continued effectiveness. The benefits of oral appliance therapy far outweigh the risks, making this therapy a reliable choice for many patients.
Common side effects to watch for include:
- Jaw pain or stiffness: May occur as the jaw adjusts to the device.
- Dry mouth or excessive salivation: Common during initial use but usually resolves over time.
- Changes in bite alignment or occlusion: Regular monitoring can mitigate these issues.
- Minor tooth or gum irritation: Typically alleviated by adjustments to the device.
Collaboration between your dentist and sleep specialist is key to achieving the best results and minimizing side effects.
Ready to Improve Your Sleep? Visit Our Dental Office in Colorado
Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to better health with oral appliance therapy.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we specialize in creating custom-fit solutions for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Our team uses the latest advancements to ensure the best possible results for our patients.
Visit our dental office in Greeley at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO 80634, or call (970) 515-3550 to schedule your consultation today.