Sleep apnea functions as a prevalent serious condition that affects multiple individuals who experience interrupted rest due to their inability to obtain normal sleep. CPAP machines deliver effective therapy, although they do not work for every patient.
The non-invasive treatments of dental devices for sleep apnea treatment should be evaluated by those looking for comfortable alternatives to traditional methods. The following examines how sleep apnea devices function alongside their potential role in your medical therapy. Let’s break it down.
What Are Dental Devices for Sleep Apnea?
Dental devices, also known as oral appliances, are designed to help manage sleep apnea by keeping the airways open during sleep. These devices typically come in two main types:
- Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) – These devices gently push the lower jaw forward, which helps keep your airway open.
- Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs) – These devices hold your tongue in a specific position to prevent it from blocking the airway.
Both types work by altering the position of the jaw and tongue, making it easier for air to flow while you sleep.
How Do Dental Devices Work for Sleep Apnea?
The operation of dental devices depends on their ability to move your jaw and tongue position to enhance air passage during sleep. One of these devices shifts your jaw forward with a gentle motion and provides tongue stabilization, which stops airway collapse during sleep.
Using dental devices allows airflow to become easier during sleep and decreases the frequency of snoring. The result? The devices help people sleep more peacefully because they minimize disruptions and support better oxygen circulation.
Do Dental Devices Prove Successfully Treating Sleep Apnea?
Dental devices such as sleep apnea therapy are effective in treating numerous patients with this condition. Several medical practitioners endorse these devices as a suitable treatment solution for patients experiencing moderate and mild sleep apnea. Research indicates dental devices lower snorting noises and increases breathing capacity to manage sleep apnea symptoms.
Those who cannot use CPAP machines or want a more suitable alternative than CPAP should consider dental devices as a potential treatment for sleep apnea.
Benefits of Using a Dental Device for Sleep Apnea
- Unlike CPAP machines, which require wearing a mask and using a machine, oral appliances are small, comfortable, and easy to use. You simply place them in your mouth before bed.
- Traveling with a dental device is far easier than taking a bulky CPAP machine. They’re lightweight and compact, making them an excellent option for people on the go.
- Customization of dental devices allows dentists to create uniquely fitted devices that enhance effectiveness and provide better comfort for you.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
- Some people may experience jaw discomfort or tooth shifting, especially if the device isn’t properly fitted. Regular adjustments may be necessary.
- Dental devices are typically more effective for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. If you have severe sleep apnea, a CPAP machine may still be the better option.
- These devices need to be cleaned regularly and may require periodic adjustments to ensure they continue working effectively.
Who Should Consider a Dental Device for Sleep Apnea?
Dental devices work well for patients diagnosed with sleep apnea who have either mild to moderate symptoms or have uncomfortable experiences with CPAP devices.
Getting advice from a sleep specialist or a sleep apnea doctor in Harrisburg, NC, is necessary before you select a dental device to determine which treatment best suits your requirements.
The Harrisburg, NC, dentist will assess your situation correctly before providing an accurate diagnosis and helping you find the ideal sleep apnea treatment.
Dental devices used to treat sleep apnea are an effective therapeutic method for patients with problems using CPAP machines because they provide comfortable and convenient symptom management.
If you wish to explore this therapy, request an appointment at Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, Harrisburg, NC. Let sleep apnea end its interference to your lifestyle today. Visit our dentistry office for a consultation, leading you toward improved sleep quality and health benefits.
