Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that disrupts your breathing during the night. These interruptions can leave you feeling tired and irritable the next day. Long-term effects of untreated sleep apnea include increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. If you’re experiencing symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or chronic daytime fatigue, it’s important to seek treatment.

In this article, we will explore what dental appliances are and how they help with sleep apnea relief. We’ll also look at the advantages of using these devices compared to other treatments. Finally, we’ll discuss why Dr. Benjamin Polan in Beverly, MA, is the right choice for your sleep apnea treatment. Understanding these options can help you make an informed decision and take steps toward better sleep and improved health.

Understanding Dental Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Dental appliances for sleep apnea are custom-made devices that fit in your mouth like a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer. These appliances are designed to keep your airway open, preventing the collapses that cause sleep apnea. They are also known as oral appliances, and they provide an effective alternative to the more commonly known CPAP machines.

There are different types of dental appliances available, but the most common ones are mandibular advancement devices (MADs). These devices push your lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward. This forward position helps to prevent the soft tissues in your throat from collapsing and obstructing your airway. Another type of dental appliance is the tongue retaining device (TRD), which holds your tongue in a forward position, preventing it from falling back and blocking your airway.

Dr. Benjamin Polan specializes in creating these custom-fitted dental appliances. He takes detailed impressions of your teeth and mouth to ensure the appliance fits comfortably and works effectively. These appliances are made from durable, high-quality materials to make sure they last and provide the support you need.

The Mechanism: How Dental Appliances Relieve Sleep Apnea

Dental appliances work by addressing the root cause of sleep apnea: airway obstruction. When you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax. In people with sleep apnea, these muscles can collapse to the point of blocking the airway. This blockage interrupts your breathing and causes you to wake up repeatedly throughout the night, even if you don't remember it happening.

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) relieve sleep apnea by moving your lower jaw forward. This forward position helps to keep the airway open by preventing the tongue and soft tissues from falling back and blocking it. By maintaining an open airway, these devices reduce the number of apnea episodes and snoring, allowing for better quality sleep.

Tongue retaining devices (TRDs) work slightly differently. These appliances use a small suction bulb to hold your tongue in a forward position. Keeping the tongue from falling back into the throat helps to keep the airway open. Both types of dental appliances are effective in reducing the severity of sleep apnea and improving overall sleep quality.

Dr. Benjamin Polan carefully assesses each patient to determine the most suitable type of appliance. He provides detailed instructions on how to use and care for the device to ensure it remains effective and comfortable. With proper use, dental appliances can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms, helping you get a restful night's sleep.

Advantages of Dental Appliances Compared to Other Treatments

Dental appliances offer several advantages over other treatments for sleep apnea. One of the biggest benefits is comfort. Many people find CPAP machines uncomfortable and difficult to use consistently. The masks can be bulky, and the noise from the machine can disturb sleep. In contrast, dental appliances are compact, silent, and designed to fit comfortably inside your mouth, making them much easier to wear throughout the night.

Another major advantage is convenience. Dental appliances are small and easy to take with you when you travel. There is no need for electricity, which makes them highly portable. You can maintain your sleep apnea treatment wherever you go without carrying bulky equipment.

Maintenance is simpler as well. Caring for a dental appliance is typically as easy as cleaning a retainer. CPAP machines, on the other hand, require regular cleaning of multiple components like masks and hoses. This simplicity in maintenance makes it easier for you to stick with your treatment plan.

Choosing Dr. Benjamin Polan for Your Sleep Apnea Treatment

Choosing Dr. Benjamin Polan for your sleep apnea treatment ensures you receive expert care tailored to your needs. Dr. Polan has specialized training in dental sleep medicine and is experienced in treating sleep apnea with oral appliances. He takes a personalized approach, thoroughly evaluating your condition and devising a treatment plan that works best for you.

Dr. Polan also places a strong focus on patient comfort and satisfaction. He custom-fits each dental appliance to ensure it fits comfortably and effectively. The fitting process is precise and involves taking detailed impressions of your teeth and jaw. This ensures that the appliance will be both effective and comfortable to wear nightly.

In addition to his expertise in sleep apnea treatment, Dr. Polan is also a professional in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). This means he can address any TMJ-related issues that may be causing or exacerbating your sleep apnea. His holistic approach ensures that all aspects of your oral health are considered in your treatment plan.

Conclusion

Dental appliances offer a practical and effective solution for managing sleep apnea. They are comfortable, easy to use, and highly portable, making them a convenient alternative to traditional treatments like CPAP machines. By keeping your airway open, these devices can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health.

If you're struggling with sleep apnea and looking for a comfortable, effective treatment option, consider dental appliances. At Exceptional Sleep and TMJ in Beverly, MA, Dr. Benjamin Polan provides care tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how our dental appliances for sleep apnea can help you achieve better sleep and improved well-being.