Do you ever feel tired during the day and have trouble sleeping at night? You may not even realize it, but your snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration, and migraine headaches might be caused by sleep apnea. Your dentist may suggest an oral appliance to help. This might sound intimidating, but these devices look similar to mouthguards used by athletes, are quite easy to use, and can actually be very helpful in treating symptoms of sleep apnea! 

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which your breathing stops and starts over and over again while you sleep. This may prevent your body from receiving sufficient oxygen; it can cause fatigue and other more serious health issues when left untreated. Oral appliances are an effective way to treat the symptoms of sleep apnea, which involve wearing a small, custom-made device that fits into the mouth and supports the jaw to keep the airways open during sleep. Oral appliances can help people with sleep apnea get better sleep, live a healthier life, and be healthier overall. There are different kinds of oral appliances, and you should talk to a professional to figure out which one is best for your needs. 

Read on to learn more about what oral appliances are and the benefits they offer for sleep apnea treatment. 

What Is Sleep Apnea and Why Does It Need to Be Treated

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that affects how we breathe while sleeping. It often causes fatigue, headaches, concentration problems, and other health issues when left untreated. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the airways are blocked due to soft tissue at the back of your throat. Thankfully, there are several ways to treat this condition and help you get a better night’s sleep. One great treatment option is oral appliance therapy, which involves using a small, custom-made oral device that fits into your mouth and supports the jaw in order to keep your airways open during the night. Although it may seem like an unconventional solution for something as serious as sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can be an effective way for people who prefer not to use PAP machines or surgery to manage their OSA symptoms. 

Oral appliance vs CPAP 

While CPAP can be a very effective treatment for sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is a much more convenient way to treat sleep apnea than CPAP. It is significantly smaller and more portable, making it easy to take on trips or use in different locations. Oral appliances, unlike CPAP machines, don't need an electrical outlet or power cord. This means you don't need any extra cords or wires, and you can take them anywhere. These devices are also easier to maintain since they don’t have any filters or air hoses that need to be replaced regularly. Additionally, they are discreet and silent when in use. CPAP machines, on the other hand, can be big and noisy, and they need to be cleaned and maintained regularly in order to work properly. Additionally, many patients find them more comfortable than CPAP machines since they don’t have to wear a mask. 

How Does an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Work?

Oral appliances for sleep apnea work by positioning the jaw and tongue in such a way that they keep the airway open during sleep. This keeps your airway from getting blocked when your muscles relax and your tongue falls back, allowing you to breathe on your own. Oral appliances come in different shapes and sizes and are custom-made to fit the individual and their specific needs. Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to use, and they do not require any surgery or other treatments. In most cases, oral appliances can effectively treat both mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea in a safe and simple way. You can come in and speak to Dr. Polan about whether an oral appliance is the right treatment for you. 

Benefits of Using an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea

Many couples have been through the experience of one of them snoring or having a severe case of sleep apnea that keeps the other from getting a good night's rest. If this situation sounds familiar, you may want to consider an oral appliance for sleep apnea and how it can be used to keep everyone sleeping peacefully. Dr. Polan specializes in oral appliance therapy and helps people find a mouthpiece that fits them well and can help reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms like mouth breathing and trouble sleeping. It is also surprisingly easy to use, usually requiring a short adjustment period before you start seeing results. If your partner's snoring is keeping you awake at night, find out if oral appliance therapy is right for your household! 

It’s clear that treating sleep apnea with an oral appliance has numerous benefits, including improved sleep quality, an enhanced lifestyle, and better overall health. There are various types of oral appliances that can be used for sleep apnea treatment, and it is important to consult a professional to figure out which one is the most appropriate for your needs. Also, you want to make sure you get the best device possible so that it can help you the most. We are passionate about providing patients with exceptional sleep apnea dental care. So, if you or someone you know suffers from sleep apnea, book a consultation to speak with Dr. Polan about treatment options—it could prove life-changing!