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Home For Patients Dental Blog How an Oral Appliance Can Improve Apnea Symptoms

How an Oral Appliance Can Improve Apnea Symptoms


Posted on 10/1/2024 by Beaverton Oral Surgeons
Dentist with sleep apnea patient at Beaverton Oral Surgeons in Hillsboro, ORHave you been diagnosed with sleep apnea? If so, you're likely seeking ways to manage this condition and improve your sleep quality. While a CPAP machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, it's not for everyone. If you find the CPAP uncomfortable or inconvenient, an oral appliance may be a better option for you.

What is Sleep Apnea?


Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. This can lead to several problems, including loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and even high blood pressure. There are three main types of sleep apnea:

•  Obstructive sleep apnea: This is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse and block the airway.
•  Central sleep apnea: This type of sleep apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.
•  Mixed sleep apnea: This type of sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

How Can an Oral Appliance Help?


Oral appliances are small, custom-made devices that are worn in the mouth during sleep. They work by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue, which helps to open up the airway and prevent it from collapsing. Oral appliances are a good option for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who find the CPAP uncomfortable or inconvenient.

There are two main types of oral appliances:

•  Mandibular advancement devices: These devices fit over the lower teeth and hold the jaw slightly forward, which helps to open up the airway.
•  Tongue retaining devices: These devices fit over the tongue and hold it in place, which also helps to open up the airway.

Benefits of Oral Appliances


Oral appliances offer several benefits over CPAP machines, including:

•  Comfort: Oral appliances are small and comfortable to wear, making them a good option for people who find CPAP machines uncomfortable.
•  Convenience: Oral appliances are easy to use and don't require any special setup or cleaning.
•  Portability: Oral appliances are small and portable, making them easy to take with you when you travel.
•  Effectiveness: Oral appliances can be effective in reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea, including snoring and daytime fatigue.

Talking to Your Doctor


If you're interested in learning more about oral appliances for sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if an oral appliance is right for you and can refer you to a qualified dentist who can fit you for a device.

Conclusion


Oral appliances can be a safe and effective treatment for sleep apnea. If you're looking for an alternative to the CPAP machine, talk to your doctor about whether an oral appliance is right for you.

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Beaverton Oral Surgeons, 3925 SW 153rd Dr. Suite # 100, Beaverton, OR 97006 ~ (503) 646-7101 ~ beavertonoralsurgeons.com ~ 10/30/2024 ~ Related Phrases: Oral Surgery Beaverton ~