Oral sleep appliances are indicated for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. Oral sleep appliances are devices worn in the mouth during sleep, such as retainers, nightguards, splints, and bite plates. These devices move the lower jaw forward, which helps keep the tongue from blocking the airway. At Stefani J Allison DMD, these appliances are designed to fit comfortably inside the mouth, and many resemble a sports mouthguard.
How Do Oral Sleep Appliances Work?
Oral sleep appliances are one of the many types of treatments that are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Oral sleep appliances are mouth guards that reposition the jaw to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. These mouth guards are custom-fitted based on your dentist’s instructions. The appliance fits over the upper and lower teeth and is worn to reposition the jaw, which prevents teeth grinding and jaw clenching that can damage TMJ joints.
Are Oral Sleep Appliances Comfortable?
Some patients find oral sleep appliances more comfortable than traditional CPAP therapy. They tend to find that oral devices are more comfortable than CPAP therapy because they are not connected to a mask that covers the nose and mouth. However, some patients cannot tolerate oral devices. It’s important to understand that oral device therapy may not help every patient.
Benefits of Oral Sleep Appliances
Proven Effectiveness
Oral sleep appliances are a proven solution for many patients suffering from sleep apnea and snoring. In many cases, oral sleep appliances are an effective alternative to CPAP therapy, or they may be used along with CPAP therapy to improve results.
Oral sleep appliances work by positioning the jaw in such a way that allows for better airflow through the mouth and nose, reducing instances of snoring and sleep apnea. Because these appliances reposition the jaw, they may also alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms.
Comfortable to Wear
Oral sleep appliances are comfortable because they are custom-made to be snugly worn inside the mouth. You don’t have to worry about anything rubbing against your cheeks or causing discomfort. Oral sleep appliances are also smaller than CPAP equipment, so you don’t have to worry about feeling suffocated.
Convenient to Maintain
Oral sleep appliances require less maintenance than CPAP machines. Since they are removable, patients don’t have to remember to rinse or clean them. If a patient does experience a buildup of bacteria, they can easily remove the appliance to brush and floss.
Can Be Adjusted to Different Sleep Positions
Oral sleep appliances can be custom-fabricated to fit any patient’s unique anatomy. This helps patients avoid discomfort and irritation. In addition, oral appliances can be adjusted to fit any sleep position.
No Surgery Required
Oral sleep appliances are devices worn in the mouth to help with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and don’t require surgery. They’re custom-fit to each patient.
To learn more about the benefits of oral sleep appliances, visit Stefani J Allison DMD at 200 Ave K SE Suite #1, Winter Haven, FL 33880, or call Dentist in Winter Haven, FL at (863) 299-2192.
