When recently being diagnosed with sleep apnea, most individuals begin looking at treatment options. While many medical professionals will focus almost exclusively on bulky and expensive machines to help with breathing, there may be another option. Dentists can create a custom-fit oral appliance that is small, comfortable, and effective in treating sleep apnea. When considering options to help correct sleep apnea, it is worth consulting a dentist to see what steps can be taken.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently caused by the relaxation of the structures of the mouth while sleeping. As an individual begins to relax, the form of their mouth can change slightly. For example, their tongue can slide further into the mouth and block off the airway either partially or entirely. OSA can cause the following symptoms:
Fortunately, an oral appliance is a custom-made medical device that the patient places in their mouth just before bedtime. This appliance helps hold the structure and function of the mouth while the muscles in the mouth are entirely relaxed. This allows the airway to stay open and unobstructed so that breathing can be done freely throughout the night.
Oral appliances are not permanent. The individual can take it out in the morning, clean it, and put it in the appropriate storage container. Additionally, cleaning is far more straightforward and helps to eliminate a potentially harmful bacterial buildup that can occur with some other sleep apnea treatments.
There are currently more than 100 different types of sleep apnea oral appliances on the open market. Additionally, many of these appliances work differently and target other structures of the mouth. If a patient decides to purchase an oral appliance without professional guidance, it may be helpful. However, it is possible to end up with an ill-fitting appliance that does not alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea and could even exacerbate them. Some appliances that were not professionally fitted have led to tooth loss or a significant shift, which can cause the teeth to become misaligned.
Instead, patients should schedule an appointment with a dentist for an initial consultation. The dentist and staff work closely with the patient to identify the issues that are causing sleep apnea. Once the dentist understands the structure of the mouth and the problems being faced, they can work to narrow down the most suitable oral appliance. However, simply selecting the right product may still not be enough to ensure its long-term success.
Once a product has been decided on, the dentist will take a plaster mold of the teeth so that the oral appliance can be created to fit comfortably in the mouth throughout the night. Based on the casts, the dental lab will build an oral appliance that fits perfectly in the mouth to help correct sleep apnea. Additionally, over the next few months, the mouth position is likely to begin strengthening. When this happens, the dentist will be able to perform adjustments to ensure it keeps fitting well, protects the teeth, and works to fit any necessary needs.
Do you have questions about how oral appliances can help your sleep apnea symptoms? The James R McCawley DDS team is here to help you achieve a restful sleep. Call our Murfreesboro office today to learn more about our oral appliance options or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: http://www.drmccawley.com or call James R McCawley DDS at (615) 526-2497 for an appointment in our Murfreesboro office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Appliance in Murfreesboro, TN.
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