Among several Sleep Apnea therapeutic choices, one is called oral appliance therapy. It is also known as Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) or Jaw Advancing Device (JAD). These mouthpieces are custom-made by the dental surgeon by way of a plastic like die to shape a particular form of the patient’s mouth and teeth. These devices not only fight with sleep apnea, but are also useful to prevent snoring.
The Function of Oral Appliances
The oral appliances function by making the jaw to move frontward thus increasing the upper airway size and minimizing the resistance of air, which gives way to snoring and sleep apnea.
The appliances are frequently utilized as an alternate to oral surgery or CPAP. They are also utilized in combination with weight-loss therapies in case the patient is obese. Anti snoring devices and mouth guards for sleep apnea prevent snoring and minimize the airway commotion. These custom-made mouthpieces, frequently recognized by common public as mouth guards for sleep apnea are highly efficient in minimizing mild-moderate sleep apnea symptoms.
Sleep doctors frequently suggest going for a sleep test before using the oral appliance in order to settle on the findings and after using the oral appliance to settle on the effectiveness.
How Does a Dental Sleep Apnea Device Work?
Advantages of Oral Appliance Treatment
o The device is handy and compact. It can be accommodated in a pocket
o Enhanced conformity of treatment than other sleep apnea therapies
o The bed associate cannot see the device whenever the mouth is shut
o Majority of sufferers see betterment on the initial night
o The device conserves energy because it does not require electricity
The Outcomes of Oral Appliance Treatment
A number of oral appliance users report temporal mandibular joint arthritis (TMJ) or pain of arthralgia. While there are several others, who experience strange feelings immediately after getting rid of the device, and find it hard in bringing their teeth altogether again in a normal arrangement. There are quite a few sufferers who undergo shifting of teeth after an extended use. Orthodontic treatment is sometimes needed to position the teeth in a normal manner.
Though, several companies are there on the internet, which sell oral appliances. However, it’s crucial that you first get the appliance approved by your dental surgeon, as lots of mouth pieces on the internet are not useful.
Among various CPAP substitutes, oral appliance is one of them. Sleep apnea therapy without CPAP device is called mouth guard.
The dental appliances or dental devices are not appropriate for all the sleep apnea patients. These devices are normally more useful in mild to moderate cases.
What are the Most Common Side Effects of Oral Appliance Therapy?
What is the Cost of Oral Appliances?
Different types of snoring mouthpieces have different prices. However, the average mouth guard is likely to be between US$1800 to US$2000. This price comprises the real mouth piece cost, adjustments, visits to dental surgeon, follow ups and dental device alterations. Majority of Medicare and insurance companies offer coverage to the oral appliances for sleep apnea.
Are Dental Appliances Useful in Curing Sleep Apnea?
Of course, a number of dental appliances are useful in curing snoring and sleep apnea. Even though CPAP treatment is more famous for obstructive sleep apnea, however, dental appliances are turning out to be more widespread as latest study confirms their usefulness in curing mild to moderate apnea and snoring. You must discuss with your therapist in finding out the best suitable appliance for you. Furthermore, follow ups are important to make sure that the therapy is functioning.
Dental Devices Issues with Sleep Apnea
The major complain with dental devices is the difficulty in monitoring the conformity. On the other hand majority of CPAP devices can track the compliance with the help of software that informs the therapists and the patients the hour’s usage and the occurrences of continuous breathing instances. The mouthpieces for sleep apnea are not able to hold that technology due to their size. However, microchips are installed in some of the recently made mouth pieces that can calculate the number of hours used.
One more issue with oral appliances for sleep apnea is their restricted life anticipation. They do not last for good. Majority of them are only useful for one or two years and then their material start to deteriorate and lose their efficiency.
Oral Appliances and CPAP Compared, Dentist Dr. Erika Mason, Richmond, Virginia
How should you acquire a dental device and oral appliance for sleep apnea?
Primarily, you should discuss with your therapist for acquiring any therapeutic device for sleep apnea because some people require specific treatments for sleep apnea, whereas others are disqualified due to checkup records or composition. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. In case of recommendation, a sleep test may be required and if sleep apnea is diagnosed, your doctor will discuss the choices for treating obstructive sleep apnea.
In case oral appliance is pointed out, you will be sent to a dental surgeon who is the specialist in curing this type of irregular breathing. Normally, the dental surgeon will get an impression of your teeth structure (bite registration) by means of a plaster mould. After that a dental device will be created with the help of your teeth pattern.
Due to influx of professional dental surgeons and manufacturers, the oral appliance therapy for treating sleep apnea has become a famous therapy for overcoming snoring and irregular breathing.
See Also:
Comparison between Mouthpiece and CPAP for Treating Sleep Apnea
Mouthpiece for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea versus Snoring Mouth Guard – Are they same?
Mouthpiece for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea versus Snoring Mouth Guard – Are they same?
