No one will argue thatcontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)is good for everyone withsleep apnea.
Oral appliances are a good and effective alternative to CPAP in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea.
What is the experience of getting and using an oral or dental appliance like?
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What side effects should be avoided?
There are more than 100 different models available on the market.
With the mail-order appliances, the plastic can be heated in boiling water and molded to fit your bite.
They’re relatively inexpensive, but unfortunately, they’re often not maximally effective.
Additionally, not all dentists use the same devices.
Some are more effective, while others pad profit margins without offering much in the way of therapy.
Getting Oral Appliances Fitted by Dentists
How do you recognize if you’re getting a proper appliance?
Your oral appliance should be specially fitted for you.
Do not accept a generic sizing system that doesn’t account for the uniqueness of your teeth and bite.
The appliance should be made based on plaster molds of your teeth.
If you have a strong gag reflex, let your dentist know.
Excessive plaster may overflow from the trays, and a conscientious dental assistant will minimize this.
Based on these initial molds, your dentist will construct firmer plaster molds of your teeth and gums.
If you are unable to move your jaw forward adequately, the treatment may be ineffective.
After this first assessment, your plaster molds will be used to create your oral appliance.
Much like a retainer, these will fit over your teeth, and maintain a modified bite.
At your second appointment, the oral appliance will arrive from the manufacturer and be adjusted.
An edge may be smoothed to prevent pain in the gums, for example.
Once you find the oral appliance to be comfortable, you will be ready to start using it.
During this period, you should also be aware of any adverse effects you might experience.
Oral appliances are slightly uncomfortable, but they should never be painful.
TMJ painmay become chronic and lead to clicking, popping, or dislocation of the jaw.
This is done gradually so that there are fewer risks of side effects.
At the end of this time period, your oral appliance treatment will be optimized.
You should have this done at the same location where you had your first diagnostic study.
The two studies can then be properly compared to assess the oral appliances effectiveness.
A Word From Verywell
An oral appliance can be an attractive and useful treatment forsnoringand sleep apnea.
If the treatment is insufficient, you may need to repeat the consultation with yoursleep doctor.
There are many different kinds of oral appliance for snoring, and not all will share a similar design.
There is no clear winner in the choice between a CPAP and an oral appliance for snoring.
Some people find success with a CPAP, while others find that an oral appliance meets their needs.
To determine which option is best for you, it may help to speak to a healthcare provider.
2019 Dec 2;8(12):2121. doi:10.3390/jcm8122121
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.Oral Appliance Therapy.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine.Oral Appliance Therapy Benefits and Side Effects.
