If you’re disturbed by sleepless nights due to snoring or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you might be surprised to find relief within your reach – at your Miami dentist’s office. In this blog, we will explore the role of oral appliances in treating sleep apnea, a condition that affects many.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Affecting millions of adults worldwide, sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts repeatedly. It’s not only an intrusion on your sleep, but it can also lead to other health risks like heart problems and hypertension if untreated.
How Can Oral Appliances Assist?
While CPAP is typically recommended for severe sleep apnea, oral appliances offer a viable solution for people with mild to moderate cases. These custom-made devices resemble mouthguards or orthodontic retainers and support the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway.
Types of Oral Appliances
There are primarily two types of oral appliances:
- Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) – These devices look similar to a mouthguard used in sports and work by pushing the lower jaw forward, which helps to keep the airway open.
- Tongue retaining devices – A small device, which holds the tongue in place to prevent it from blocking the airway.
Advantages of Using Oral Appliances
For many, oral appliances have been a game-changer in controlling sleep apnea. They present a more comfortable alternative to other treatments such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines.
- User-friendly: They’re easy to wear, and most people get used to them after a short while.
- Convenient: Because of their small size, they’re great for travel, unlike larger devices like CPAP machines.
- Quiet: Oral appliances operate silently, which is not the case with CPAP devices.
Getting an Oral Appliance
If you believe that an oral appliance might help you manage your sleep apnea, the first step is to consult with a dentist who specializes in sleep dentistry. At Miami Designer Smiles, Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia regularly help patients exploring this option.
They start with a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth, jaw, and airway. Next, the impressions of your teeth are made, which are then used to custom-fit an oral appliance for you. After the fitting, you will receive detailed instructions on how and when to wear the device. Your dentist will also schedule follow-ups to monitor your progress and adjust the device as needed.
Is an Oral Appliance Right for You?
Patient suitability for an oral appliance varies based on several factors, including the root cause of sleep apnea, the size of the patient’s mouth and jaw, the patient’s personal comfort with the device, among other things.
Living with sleep apnea can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. A consultation with Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia or Dr. Raul Garcia at Miami Designer Smiles about the use of oral appliances in treating sleep apnea might be the first step toward a restful night’s sleep.