Dentists can be a valuable partner for obstructive sleep apnea treatment. After receiving a diagnosis, a dental appointment can help people with sleep apnea learn more about their treatment options. Dentists may recommend wearing oral appliances. These devices can ease symptoms in patients of normal weight with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Mandibular advancement devices, sometimes called dental sleep devices, are the most commonly used oral appliances. These devices, which look like mouthguards, push the lower jaw forward. In this position, the muscles which collapse during apneas tighten so that they can’t fall down. Over time, oral appliances can make the airway stronger and more rigid so that they can reduce or eliminate apneas. Some are adjustable, allowing users to alter the position where the jaw sits when they’re in place.
Dentists assess their patients’ teeth, mouths, and temporomandibular joints to determine whether they are good candidates for mandibular advancement devices. If they are suitable, dentists create models of their teeth. Specialists use these models to craft oral appliances that fit patients’ mouths. This proper fit is important since an incorrectly fitted device can cause jaw damage. Patients wear their devices while they sleep to alleviate their sleep apnea symptoms.
Tongue-retaining devices are less common, but they’re appropriate for a wider range of mouths. These oral appliances hold the patient’s tongue in a forward position. As the tongue is attached to the lower jaw, this device also keeps the airway open.
Dentists work closely with their patients to make sure their oral appliances are working and improving their symptoms. While the devices may be uncomfortable at first, many users should adjust within a few days. Regular monitoring and continued use help oral appliance users get the best results.
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