Snore AppliancesHighlands Ranch, CO
It may be surprising to some, but did you know your dentist can actually help with snoring and sleep apnea? The dentist is able to prescribe and fit you for a special oral appliance that can assist with proper airflow throughout the night. Here is what you should know about these devices.
What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for at least 10 seconds in your sleep on a regular basis. The severity of sleep apnea depends on how often you stop breathing in the duration of an hour. Snoring can be a sign of partial sleep apnea; so are gasps and chokes when breathing is resumed. The cessation of breath is due to the muscles in the throat and mouth relaxing to the point where they restrict the airway. Along with constant fatigue from a lack of proper sleep, sleep apnea can lead to long-term complications such as cardiac issues and strokes.
How does an oral appliance work?
The purpose of oral appliances is to help prevent sleep apnea through placement in the mouth. Thanks to mandibular advancement devices and tongue retaining mouthpieces, oral appliances are a step down from having to use advanced equipment to treat sleep apnea. Wearing an oral appliance for many is an easy transition to make. It is customized for your mouth specifically so it fits snugly and securely. As a result, you can simply slip it into place when you go to sleep. It remains in place inside of your mouth and does an excellent job of holding your lower jaw in a forward position. This helps prevent your tongue from falling backward and keeps your airway open. Some people receive all of the benefits they need by wearing an oral appliance, while those with severe sleep apnea may require the use of a CPAP machine.
Possible complications
The oral appliances used to treat sleep apnea do have some drawbacks and possible complications that need to be watched for and discussed with your dentist before using the appliance. They include the following:
- The appliances may initially lead to increased amounts of saliva in the mouth, requiring more frequent swallowing.
- Permanent changes in jaw position can happen and thus a morning appliance must be worn for a short period of time each morning to help prevent this.
- People with pre-existing TMJ problems may not tolerate the anterior repositioning of the jaw.
In Conclusion
Oral appliances require a custom fitting in order to be effective for sleep apnea treatment, but they are generally simple and effective devices. Visits with your dentist for any fitting changes as well as monitoring the effectiveness of your oral appliance can help you find the right fit to aid you in your sleep therapy. You do not need to suffer through sleep apnea or excessive snoring when your dentist can help you with a simple device. Advice from a certified sleep physician is also an integral part of evaluating individual needs and all severe categories of apnea need to seek a physician's opinion on options for treatment.
To learn more about sleep apnea or discuss your oral health in general, call (303) 481-0565 and schedule an appointment with our Highlands Ranch dental office. At Colorado Precision Dentistry, we are happy to discuss your health challenges and make recommendations, even if we have to refer you to a specialist for treatment. We always have your best interests in mind.
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Is sleep apnea a sleep disorder?
Q. What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
People Also Ask
Definition of Dental Terminology
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, and smile.
- Decay
- Tooth decay is when the acids released from bacteria in the mouth make holes into the tooth which must be restored early to prevent more advanced dental problems.
- Dental Caries
- Dental caries is just another way of saying there is decay in a tooth. Decay is typically associated with too much sugar in the diet coupled with inadequate homecare.
- Dental Checkup
- A dental checkup is traditionally an appointment that includes x-rays, a dental cleaning, and exam by the doctor to determine if other dental needs should be treated.
- Dental Filling
- A dental filling involves restoring a defect in a tooth whether it be a natural defect or due to dental decay. Most fillings today are tooth colored and are intended for smaller lesions.
- Dental Prophylaxis
- A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
- Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants contain a tooth colored resin material that is applied to the deep grooves on chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Gingivitis
- Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from the accumulation plaque, and lack of proper oral hygiene.
- Preventive Dentistry
- Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the initiation and spread of dental disease.
- Tartar
- Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
- Tooth Enamel
- Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth.
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