Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment for mild to moderate OSA. Oral appliance therapy involves both a physcian and a trained dentist in Sleep Apnea who will provide treatment in the form of a dental device. These devices resemble mouth guards worn by hockey players, but are essential in keeping your airway open so you can breathe at night (only need to use the device at bed time).
Oral appliances are also a great alternative for people who are CPAP intolerant, since the devices are easier to use and have a higher compliance rate. Oral appliances help alleviate or eliminate snoring, and many patients respond well to oral appliance therapy.
There are two kinds of devices used to treat OSA: tongue-retaining devices and madibular-advancement devices.
Tongue-retaining devices use a light suction to keep the tongue from falling to the back of the throat and blocking the airway. Mandibular-advancement devices hold the lower jaw in a position to increase airflow.
With over 70 different types of oral appliances to choose from, your dentist will discuss options on what device will be most comfortable and effective for you. You will then be fitted for the device, so you can start getting a full night’s sleep.
Why do I need to see a dentist?
Dentists, or sleep dentists as they are sometimes referred, are integral in helping treat people with OSA. The dentist will conduct a complete medical and dental screening in order to evaluate the cause of the obstruction.During the screening process, the dentist will:
Check the airways in the throat for obstruction, the soft palate (tissue in the back of the roof of the mouth) size of the tongue, and jaw position
Take upper and lower dental impressions and x-rays
Conduct an exam in order to determine the best position the lower jaw should be in to increase the airway
Who is a candidate for oral appliance therapy?
The three most common methods of treatment for OSA are oral appliance therapy, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and surgery.
Oral appliance therapy is recommended for patients who:
- Are not good candidates for CPAP therapy, or who do not need to make behavioral changes – such as weight loss or changing sleep position
- Have mild to moderate OSA or snoring unrelated to OSA
- Patients with moderate to severe OSA in combination with nasal CPAP therapy
- Patients with moderate to severe OSA who have had surgery or are intolerant to CPAP therapy
What are the advantages to oral appliance therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive, conservative treatment for many people dealing with OSA.
Oral appliances are comfortable, easier to adjust to and generally more tolerable than the commonly prescribed treatments for OSA. Most people become accustomed to the appliance after just a few weeks. They are small, making them easy and convenient when traveling.
What happens now?
Determining if you are a good candidate for oral appliance therapy is a decision that must be made with both your doctor and dentist.
Once your doctor and dentist have determined the best line of treatment for your OSA, you will undergo trial evaluation of oral appliance therapy to make sure it will work for you. This may take several week or months, followed by several follow-up visits to make sure the appliance fits properly and is effective. Make sure that you discuss any issues you have regarding your appliance with your dentist.
