How Long Does a Mandibular Advancement Device Take to Work?

Sleep apnea is a common condition that limits your ability to breathe throughout the night. Your airway becomes obstructed, which results in a lack of oxygen flow. Sleep apnea is dangerous and can cause serious health concerns.

Dentists have several approaches to managing sleep apnea and snoring so that proper breathing and sleeping can take place. The most common way that your dentist treats sleep apnea is with custom-made oral appliances. They have been proven to produce successful results, rarely failing.

Oral appliances for sleep apnea work by pulling your jaw or tongue forward during your sleep, opening your airway. Your dentist might recommend an oral appliance to treat obstructive sleep apnea if you cannot use a CPAP machine. Types include mandibular advancement devices and tongue-stabilizing devices.

What are Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea?

Oral appliances for sleep apnea are dental devices, or mouthpieces, that you place in your mouth to keep your airway open while you sleep. Healthcare providers use them to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

With obstructive sleep apnea, your upper airway is partially or completely blocked when you are sleeping. The reduced airflow triggers your brain to wake you up just enough to maintain breathing. The cycle of restricted airflow, waking and falling asleep again, cycles and continues throughout the night. These episodes stop you from sleeping soundly and prevent your vital organs from getting enough oxygen. Untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health conditions and can be fatal.

Oral appliances, also called oral appliance therapy, treat sleep apnea. They hold your mouth in a position that allows you to get enough airflow. They help you breathe better and reduce or eliminate the cycle of waking up.

How Does a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?

Dentists tend to treat sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Two types of oral appliances are used, the first being a mandibular advancement device and the second being a tongue-retaining device.

Mandibular advancement devices look like mouth guards. They snap over the upper and lower arch of your mouth and are secured in place with metal hinges on both ends. The hinges make it possible for the lower arch of your jaw to remain in a forward position, preventing the airway from becoming obstructed.

Tongue-retaining devices, on the other hand, are used less frequently. If prescribed, you should expect to wear a splint-like appliance that holds your tongue in place. Holding your tongue in place makes sure that the airway does not become obstructed while sleeping.

Are Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea Effective?

Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea has been proven to be quite effective. While other forms of treatment might have to be integrated, mandibular devices and tongue-retaining ones help make sure that the airway remains uncompromised throughout the night.

Unlike other treatment options, like CPAP machines, oral appliances are completely comfortable and do not require motorized machines. This makes sleeping easier and less restrictive.

How Long do Oral Appliances Take to Work?

Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea tends to work immediately. The appliances do need to be custom-made by a dental lab, which usually takes a few weeks. Once complete, you can begin wearing the device at night.

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