Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance

Millions of individuals suffer with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Typical treatments for sleep apnea involve the use of CPAP machines. However, nearly 50 percent of OSA sufferers cannot tolerate a CPAP machine while sleeping. Dr. Perkins can provide alternative treatment methods to CPAP machines that involve oral appliances and mouth guards.

TYPES OF MOUTH GUARDS FOR SLEEP APNEA

Oral appliances are customized dental sleep medicine devices made from heat sensitive acrylic. Depending on the patient’s needs, they will be worn over the tongue or over the lower and upper teeth.

The two major classifications of devices used for oral appliance therapy are Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) and Tongue Retaining Devices (TRD). MADs are most effective for OSA suffers because patients can adjust them to accommodate lower jawline changes which are necessary to restore a normal breathing patterns.

ORAL APPLIANCES AS SNORING SOLUTIONS

Oral appliances are effective as snoring solutions. TRDs are custom-made from soft materials and used to prevent a patient’s tongue from relaxing backwards in the mouth.

In addition to TRDs, there are other oral appliances that provide snoring relief. Dr. Perkins can provide the guidance you need to find the best snoring solution for you.

HERBST SLEEP APPLIANCE

People who suffer with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or snoring can benefit from the use of a Herbst dental sleep appliance, which fits over the upper and lower teeth while sleeping to reposition the jaw.

DORSAL SLEEP APPLIANCES

Ideal for people with mild-moderate sleep apnea, the main goal of Dorsal dental appliances is to keep the lower jaw from dropping during sleep, by keeping the airways open and allowing for easy breathing without snoring.

A SLEEP APNEA MOUTH GUARD CAN REPLACE YOUR CPAP MACHINE

Advancements in dental technology have developed individualized oral appliances for patients that do not involve the use of a CPAP machine. The use of dental appliances for sleep apnea can allow patients to sleep comfortably by reducing or eliminating the amount of OSA episodes or snoring.

If you have mild sleep apnea, dental appliances can be an effective alternative to a CPAP machine. Here are just a few of the benefits of using a sleep apnea mouth guard:

  • No machine connection or tubes
  • No sleeping position restriction
  • Durability
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Convenient for travel

CONSULT A SLEEP APNEA SPECIALIST

There is no one-size-fits-all appliance for sleep apnea or snoring solutions. Dr. Perkins, a specially trained sleep apnea dentist, determines the best oral appliance for each person.

Treatment methods are based on the patient’s sleep apnea symptoms as well as the condition of the patient’s teeth, jawline, tongue size, gums, bite configuration, and any cosmetic dental work.