Sleep apnea is a medical disorder in which a person’s airway becomes blocked, resulting in paused or shallow breathing during sleep. This can result in daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of certain medical conditions. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves the use of a mask and machine to keep the airway open during sleep. While CPAP is an effective treatment, some people may find it uncomfortable or inconvenient. Fortunately, there is an alternative treatment for sleep apnea called oral appliance therapy.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment for sleep apnea that involves using an oral appliance, such as a mouthguard or splint, to keep the airway open during sleep. These devices work by holding the lower jaw and tongue in a forward position, preventing the airway from becoming blocked. Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for certain types of sleep apnea and can be a good alternative to CPAP therapy for some people.
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy
One of the main advantages of oral appliance therapy is that it can be more comfortable and easier to use than CPAP therapy. The oral appliance is small and portable, so it is easy to take with you when traveling. It is also easy to clean and maintain, and many people find it more comfortable to sleep with an oral appliance than with a CPAP mask. Additionally, oral appliance therapy does not have the same noise level as CPAP therapy, so it can be a better option for people who have trouble falling asleep with the noise from a CPAP machine.
Who Can Benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea and is caused by a partial or complete blockage of the airway during sleep. Oral appliance therapy is also an effective treatment for some people with mild OSA, as well as those with central sleep apnea or mixed sleep apnea. In general, oral appliance therapy can be a good option for people who have not had success with other treatments for sleep apnea, such as weight loss, oral surgery, or positional therapy.
How to Get an Oral Appliance
If you think that an oral appliance might be the right treatment for your sleep apnea, the first step is to see a doctor who is trained in sleep medicine. The doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination to determine if an oral appliance is the right option for you. If an oral appliance is recommended, the doctor will take a mold of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory, where the oral appliance will be custom-made to fit your mouth. Once your oral appliance is ready, your doctor will show you how to use it and answer any questions you may have.
Conclusion
If you have sleep apnea, it is important to talk to a doctor about your treatment options. In some cases, oral appliance therapy can be an effective, comfortable, and convenient alternative to CPAP therapy. An oral appliance is a small, portable device that keeps the airway open during sleep and can be a good option for people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. For the best results in treating your sleep apnea, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for using an oral appliance and to have regular follow-up appointments.
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