Dental appliances for sleep apnea: Do they work?
Among the several treatments for sleep apnea in Bradenton FL is an oral appliance. Because they are portable and easy to carry around, many patients choose this kind of gadget over a mask since they are more comfortable. Treating sleep apnea’s symptoms is a convenient and least-invasive technique available. Keep reading to find out more about how an oral dental appliance treats sleep apnea.
The mechanics of oral appliances for sleep apnea
Like a dental retainer, the gadget goes over the upper and lower teeth. It works by moving and keeping the tongue and jaw forward to avoid them obstructing the airway, even if the muscles of the airways relax totally during sleep.
A piston and tube link the higher and lower portions, therefore restricting the jaw retrusion range. The tubelower and the chin is held forward as soon as the muscles relax in a deep sleep. The patient will be able to keep breathing regularly by keeping the airways open all through sleep.
Points of interest regarding oral appliances
An oral appliance is designed for mild to moderate cases of only sleep apnea. An oral device would not be advisable for patients with severe sleep apnea since the support might not be sufficient for impeded air passage. The dentist might also advise mouth devices to help a patient better tolerate the CPAP machine.
The jaw should have advanced significantly within two to six months of utilizing the device. The appliance will first gently forward the lower jaw, and the dentist will raise the tension as patients become used to this and their jaw muscles relax. The procedure is executed progressively to lower the side effect risks. The dental appliance will be totally ideal for treating sleep apnea by the end of the adjustment period.
Obtaining a dental appliance
Online, there are several vendors of oral gadgets. Though often not successful for treating sleep apnea, these gadgets are rather cheap. They are not custom-fit. Hence, poor-fitting oral devices may cause tooth movement and maybe tooth loss. One should see a dentist who has expertise in installing the dental appliance. The dental practitioner will make a crucial evaluation to determine whether the gadget will be successful in treating sleep apnea.
The patient will have teeth taken, impressions, or molds removed when they visit the dentist. Using the impressions, the dentist will replicate a plaster copy of the patient’s bite and do preliminary fitting to determine the mandibular advancement devices’ efficacy. Should the patient find their jaw unable to move forward correctly, the procedure could prove useless.
Note last, but most importantly
Treating sleep apnea and snoring can be practically and effectively done with an oral appliance. See a seasoned general dentist to be sure the device is fitting and routinely adjusted.
