Sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea, is a sleep disorder that can be quite dangerous if left untreated. That is why it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as you can. The best way to do that is by opting for oral appliance therapy. However, only an experienced sleep specialist and your dentist can suggest this treatment based on the severity of your condition. If you would like to know more about this treatment and how an oral appliance is used to treat sleep apnea, continue reading this blog.
What Do Oral Appliances Do for Sleep Apnea?
The entire purpose of an oral appliance is to support your airway and keep it open while you sleep. Since sleep apnea is a condition that affects your breathing, having an oral appliance that prevents the airway from collapsing is crucial.
People dealing with mild to moderate levels of sleep apnea are more likely to benefit from this as the dental appliance is used to keep the tongue from obstructing your throat. The device ultimately helps reset your lower jaw, pulling the tongue forward. Moreover, oral appliance therapy is only suggested to those who have previously failed to seek results from CPAP.
What to Expect With Oral Appliance Therapy?
Once you get an oral appliance for sleep apnea, you will begin to notice a lot of differences in your health, be it when you’re awake or asleep. Ultimately, it will affect your health one way or the other. Here are a few things to expect when getting oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea:
- There will be changes in your bite.
- You might notice a slight pain in the jaw.
- Your snoring will stop eventually.
- Oral appliances can often lead to excessive drooling.
- It doesn’t require any electricity to function, which makes it easier to use.
- Your mouth might occasionally feel dry.
- It helps improve the overall symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
- It is travel-friendly, so you can take it wherever you go.
- There may be an onset of pain and pressure in your teeth.
- If you have crowns, veneers, or any dental work done, you may need to redo it.
- Oral appliances are far more convenient for those who cannot use CPAP.
Long Story Short
All in all, oral appliance therapy is a great treatment option for sleep apnea patients. Not only can it be taken out when you’re asleep, but it also helps shift your jaw forward, preventing the tongue from blocking the throat. Nevertheless, for more information on the matter, feel free to contact Rock Creek Oral Surgery at 832-930-7801 or visit us in person at 14119 Grant Road, Suite 140, Cypress, TX 77429, located near Jeremiah’s Italian Ice.