How an Oral Appliance Dentist Can Help Treat Sleep Apnea

An oral appliance dentist helps people with sleep apnea by providing non-invasive treatments that improve breathing while sleeping to support overall health and well-being. Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing abruptly stops and starts during sleep, leading to loud snoring, fatigue, and long-term health problems when left untreated. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common option, many patients find that oral appliance therapy is a comfortable and effective alternative.

The adverse effects of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat muscles intermittently relax and block the flow of air into the lungs. OSA can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime drowsiness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

Untreated sleep apnea can also contribute to a variety of serious health issues. Some of these conditions include:

• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Mood disorders
• Impaired immune function

Early diagnosis and effective treatment can reduce the risks of these conditions and improve the patient's long-term health.

Understanding oral appliance dentists

An oral appliance dentist is a dental professional trained to design and fit custom oral devices that help manage obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliance dentists receive specialized training in dental sleep medicine. This education includes learning about the anatomy of the airway, diagnosing sleep apnea, and appliance therapy. These appliances work by repositioning the jaw or tongue to maintain an open airway during sleep. Unlike traditional CPAP machines, oral appliances are compact, quiet, and easy to use.

How oral appliances work

Oral appliances resemble mouthguards or orthodontic retainers. They function by pulling the lower jaw slightly forward. These appliances prevent the tongue from collapsing back into the airway. They also stabilize the patient's airway. Oral appliances help reduce or eliminate airway blockages during sleep, allowing for uninterrupted breathing and restful sleep for the patient and their sleeping partner.

Types of oral appliances

There are several types of oral appliances available, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue retaining devices (TRDs). MADs reposition the lower jaw to keep the patient's airway open. Meanwhile, TRDs hold the tongue in place to prevent it from obstructing the throat. An oral appliance dentist evaluates each patient's unique oral and facial structure to determine the most effective type of device.

The benefits of oral appliance therapy

Comfortable and convenient

Patients often prefer oral appliances due to their comfort, portability, and ease of use. These devices do not require electricity or extensive maintenance, making them ideal for travel and consistent nightly use.

Improved patient compliance

Many patients find oral appliances easier to tolerate than CPAP machines, leading to higher rates of patient compliance. Sticking to the treatment plan can help the patient relieve their symptoms and improve their long-term health.

Quieter than CPAP machines

Oral appliances operate silently, eliminating the noise associated with traditional CPAP machines. This quiet alternative can lead to improved sleep for the patient and their partner.

Ideal candidates for oral appliance therapy

Oral appliance therapy is most effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who are intolerant to CPAP therapy. However, it may not suit individuals with severe apnea or certain jaw or dental issues. A thorough assessment by an oral appliance dentist can help them determine their eligibility and how oral appliance therapy can work for them.

The treatment process

The oral appliance dentist begins the process by taking accurate impressions of the patient's teeth and jaws. They will often use advanced 3D imaging technology to create a custom-fitted device tailored specifically to the individual’s dental structure. Finding a proper fit is crucial, as it impacts the effectiveness of the appliance in alleviating the patient's symptoms and comfort while they sleep.

Ongoing care is essential in the treatment plan. During these visits, the dentist checks the patient’s progress and examines how well the appliance fits and works. They can also use this time to make adjustments to the appliance to improve its function. This ongoing evaluation helps the oral appliance dentist track improvements, such as less snoring or better breathing during sleep.

Schedule a consultation at our Onalaska office

For individuals struggling with obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, an oral appliance dentist offers a practice and patient-friendly alternative to traditional treatments. With the right diagnosis and custom-fit oral appliance, you can improve your quality of sleep and reduce the health risks associated with sleep apnea. Call our Onalaska office to learn more about oral appliance therapy or to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://siegertdental.com or call Siegert Dental at (608) 394-3943 for an appointment in our Onalaska office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.