Dental Devices For Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a common occurrence that most people brush off as an annoyance

, temporarily cured by giving the snorer a good shove. Yet snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea, in which a person's breathing stops for 10 to 20 seconds as many as 20 to 30 times each hour. The lack of oxygen sends a message to the brain that causes the sleeper to wake multiple times during the night in order to regain proper breathing. Due to these frequent sleep disruptions, sufferers of sleep apnea tend to experience excessive daytime drowsiness, which can negatively affect their day-to-day lives.

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the ability to breathe is physically blocked by the tongue or soft tissue in the throat. If you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, you might be fitted for a dental device to help keep your airway open while you sleep.

Tongue Retaining Device:

A tongue retaining device (TRD) works to keep the tongue in place with a splint or a suction bulb. Holding the tongue in a forward position prevents it from falling back over the airway, allowing for proper breathing while you are asleep.

Mandibular Advancement Device:

A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is most commonly used for sleep apnea and looks similar to a mouth guard. MAD keeps the lower jaw in a forward position, which also brings the tongue forward, resulting in an open airway for oxygen to get through.

Benefits of Dental Devices:

Wearing a dental device to treat obstructive sleep apnea has several advantages over other methods like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or surgery. Dental devices are non-invasive treatments that are convenient and comfortable for patients to wear. Rather than undergoing a non-reversible surgical procedure or having to adjust to wearing an uncomfortable face-mask all night, a dental device is a simple, effective treatment that can be discussed with your dentist.

If you are not interested in utilizing a dental device, speak to your local orthodontist about possible surgical options. If done properly, these surgical options can provide permanent solutions to sleep apnea.

When you are looking for a solution for your sleep apnea, it is important to consider every available option. Whether you choose to utilize a dental device or a surgical procedure, your sleep apnea does not have to keep you up at nights. Stop losing sleep, and contact your local orthodontist.

by: Inna Gellerman

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