If you have recently gotten a sleep apnea diagnosis, you will want to learn about the treatment options and how they work. CPAP devices are the most popular, but dental appliances are also a non-surgical option to consider. Continue reading to learn about the effectiveness of oral devices for sleep apnea treatment.
Dental appliances for treating sleep apnea are also called oral appliances, dental sleep devices or, more technically, Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) or Jaw Advancing Devices (JAD).
Nightguards are often mistaken for oral appliances. Although they may look like nightguards, the similarities are just that—the appearance. A night guard usually protects the teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching during sleep. A night guard cannot correct the underlying reason behind sleep apnea—a restricted airway.
The aim of using a dental appliance to treat sleep apnea is to keep the airway open while sleeping. The device achieves this objective by preventing the tongue and jaw from collapsing into the airway during sleep. By stopping the obstruction of airflow, the dental appliance can stop snoring and sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy is approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
Most patients are comfortable wearing the sleep apnea oral appliance and adjust quickly to wearing it like a custom-fitted mouthguard when sleeping. The dental appliance is designed using precise specifications to meet individual requirements and achieve the patient’s desired results. With recent innovations in the technology used for producing oral appliances, it is now possible to use 3D printing to enhance fit, durability and comfort of each device for each patient.
The sleep appliance is convenient to wear and does not interrupt regular sleep. Using the device improves sleep quality, and patients often report waking up feeling more rested. Ultimately, there is a high satisfaction rate with dental appliances.
Although there is no specific therapy that is 100 percent effective for treating sleep apnea, dental appliances are an effective option for many people. There are some additional benefits of oral devices, including:
Dental sleep apnea treatment ensures a better quality of life, as well as a longer and healthier life. The dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to make a diagnosis and recommend the proper treatment for sleep apnea. Different dental devices are available nowadays, but only the appliances recommended and provided by the dentist have been proven over time to be effective.
In cases of severe sleep apnea, an oral appliance may not be advisable because it may not provide adequate support for the compromised air passage. In some cases, a dental device may be recommended to make wearing a CPAP machine more tolerable.
So, if you want to know if dental appliances work for sleep apnea, the answer is yes. A dentist can provide a device made specifically for you with the backing of the latest research and clinical techniques.
Request an appointment here: https://www.blissdentalsf.com or call Bliss Dental SF at (415) 200-1283 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in San Francisco, CA.
Wisdom teeth extractions are a common dental procedure many individuals undergo in their late teens or early adulthood. These third molars lack room, causing them to emerge improperly or become impacted. This can lead to various oral health issues that affect your overall quality of life. Individuals who undergo this type of extraction should understand…
A porcelain fixed bridge is outstanding as a dental restoration that can replicate the appearance and function of natural teeth. The dental bridge is an option to consider when seeking to replace one or multiple teeth that are damaged or lost. A dentist can design the porcelain fixed bridge to mimic the look of natural…
You should be as concerned about gum disease as you are tooth decay. This condition can affect your oral health and overall wellness. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of this disease so you can treat it properly. There are also risk factors that lead to the condition and ways you can…
If you have recently had All-on-4® implants, you may be wondering how to care for them. It is important to know the best way to keep your implants looking their best so they can last for many years to come. Here are the best ways to take care of your new smile.All-on-4 dental implants are…
Early wisdom teeth extraction can help reduce the probability of future oral health complications and…
A porcelain fixed bridge is outstanding as a dental restoration that can replicate the appearance…
The most effective way to battle gum disease is to brush and floss daily. These…
If you have recently had All-on-4® implants, you may be wondering how to care for…
Implant restoration is a transformative dental procedure that restores function, aesthetics, and confidence by replacing…
Invisalign® is increasingly becoming a very popular teeth-straightening treatment option. The process is simple and…
