Do Dental Appliances Work for Snoring?
Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment solution for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. An oral appliance fits over your teeth like an orthodontic retainer during your sleep, supporting your jaw in a forward position, keeping your airway open. A custom-fit oral appliance will improve your sleep, restore your alertness, and revitalize your overall health.
If you and your doctor determine that oral appliance therapy is the best treatment option for you, your doctor will most likely write a prescription and refer you to a qualified dentist who can fabricate a custom-fit oral appliance for you. The dentist will also provide ongoing treatment to make sure your dental appliance remains comfortable and effective for you.
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy
A dental appliance is an effective, non-invasive treatment that fits quite easily into your lifestyle. Patients like oral appliance therapy because it is:
- Easy to wear.
- Comfortable.
- Quiet.
- Portable.
- Convenient.
- Easy to care for.
What is the Most Effective Dental Appliance for Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
The most effective dental appliances are custom-made to fit your mouth. You can easily buy oral appliances without a prescription, including the boil-and-bite versions that make an impression of your teeth. These types might provide some benefits, but research has proven that custom-made dental appliances offer the best results for snoring and sleep apnea.
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Dental appliances pull the base of your tongue forward, which creates more space in the back of your throat. Some versions latch onto your tongue and pull it forward. Most types pull your lower jaw forward while your tongue remains in place.
You simply put the device in before you go to sleep and wear it throughout the night. When you wake up in the morning, you simply remove it.
Living with Oral Appliance Therapy
Treating your snoring or obstructive sleep apnea can literally make you feel like a new person. You will find that your quality of life will improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it consistently every night. A dental appliance can help you sleep better, have more energy, and feel sharper throughout your day. You will find that your bed partner begins to sleep better as well.
Treating sleep apnea and snoring promotes a healthier heart, body, and mind. It is simple to improve your sleep and your health.
Who are Dental Appliances Best For?
Dental appliances work best if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea and you cannot use a CPAP machine. A CPAP is a machine that attaches to your airway with a tube and mask you wear at night, sending constant pressurized air through your airways, keeping them open.
Who Should Not Use an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea and Snoring?
Dental appliances are not for everyone, including:
- People with central sleep apnea- Central sleep apnea happens when a signaling problem in your brain causes breathing pauses. Oral appliances cannot treat this type of apnea.
- Children- Children with breathing issues often need different treatments than adults. Only use an oral appliance if your child’s doctor recommends it.
- People with severe OSA- Attempting to manage severe sleep apnea with only an oral appliance can be dangerous. Follow your doctor’s guidance on when it is safe to use an oral appliance and when it is not.
Related Article: How Long Does a Mandibular Advancement Device Take to Work?