Sleep Apnea Appliances
Request an AppointmentSleep Apnea Appliances
This is not a common kind of dentistry, but it is a proven solution to sleep apnea. The procedure helps a patient breath better as they sleep and that can eliminate the effects of sleep apnea.
The sleep specialist will determine the best device to use for your particular problem based on the diagnosed degree of sleep apnea you present with.
Because this procedure involves the insertion of dental devices, you will have to work closely with our dentist.
There are a number of dental devices that can be used to correct sleep apnea. These appliances used are intended to keep the mouth, tongue, and pharynx in place as the patient sleeps so that proper airflow can be possible. Successful treatment can result in a reduction or complete elimination of snoring while a person sleeps.
Mandibular Advancement Device
This is the most common appliance used to treat sleep apnea. It is also referred to as “MAD.”
This device is like a mouth guard and it helps to keep the lower jaw in a forward position that will allow air to flow freely as the individual sleeps.
Tongue Retaining Device
This is an appliance designed to keep the tongue from collapsing as the person sleeps. This will prevent the obstruction of airways.
The dentist would do an examination to determine which appliance would be best suited for the particular case of sleep apnea and snoring. Once the device is fitted, the patient will be advised to carry on using the appliance to avoid snoring and some of the harmful effects of sleep apnea which can even risk a person’s health.
These methods of treating sleep apnea have been tried and tested and they have proved effective. It is worth consulting a dentist to find out more on the possibility of employing the appliance if you have sleep apnea.