Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea: Do They Work?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that impairs your breathing while you sleep, causing you to wake up frequently at night and lose quality sleep. This can lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue. At Wahlen Dentistry, Dr. Jennifer Wahlen and the team counter the effects of OSA with oral appliance therapy. Your Perry, Utah, dentist answers your questions about sleep apnea oral appliances here to help you decide if they’re right for you.

What is a sleep apnea oral appliance?

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused when muscles in your throat relax while you sleep, causing your tongue or other soft tissues to block your airways and impair your breathing. Oral appliances are custom-made dental devices worn over your teeth to help keep your airways open while you sleep. The most common treatment for OSA is the use of a CPAP machine. Many people, however, find this treatment intrusive as you have to wear a mask that’s connected to a machine to help you breathe. The ease and comfort of oral appliances make them a more popular choice for sleep apnea treatment.

Do sleep apnea appliances work?

Absolutely! Oral appliances help reposition your tongue and jaw to keep your airways open so you can breathe without obstruction. By customizing your device, Dr. Wahlen can ensure it fits comfortably and provides optimal use. OSA oral appliances like mandibular advancement, tongue-retaining, and tongue-stabilizing devices are CPAP alternatives that can help you get a good night’s sleep.

What are the benefits of oral appliances?

Quality sleep is something everyone needs. OSA deprives you of that sleep, impacting your physical and emotional health. Oral appliances help you get the sleep your body needs to feel refreshed the next day. Better sleep at night will improve your focus, concentration, and productivity during the day. The more rested you are, the stronger you’ll feel and the more energy you’ll have for daily tasks. Oral appliances are compact, easy to use, and don’t require electricity. This makes them perfect for traveling, so you can sleep well wherever you go! They also help minimize snoring, so your significant other can also sleep!

Will wearing an oral appliance harm my teeth?

No, Dr. Wahlen can customize your device for an accurate fit. These appliances are similar to wearing a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding. If anything, they’ll protect your teeth while helping you breathe.

Who’s a good candidate for sleep apnea oral appliance treatment?

Oral appliances work best for people with mild to moderate OSA symptoms. They offer a viable alternative for people who don’t do well with CPAP machines. They’re also quite effective at controlling loud snoring, so you and your partner can get quality sleep.

Who offers sleep apnea oral appliance therapy near me?

To learn more about oral appliance sleep apnea treatment, contact your Perry, UT dentist, Dr. Jennifer Wahlen, from Wahlen Dentistry, at (435) 246-4602. We’re here to meet all your dental care needs.

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