If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, finding a treatment that works is crucial. Untreated (or intermittently treated) sleep apnea poses just as much of a health risk as undiagnosed sleep apnea. You have many different options for treatment, including an oral appliance for sleep apnea. Here are the pros and cons of a sleep apnea mouthpiece.
What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed in approximately 22 million people in the U.S. alone. With this type of sleep disordered breathing, a sleeper’s throat muscles and tissues relax back in the mouth as they sleep, blocking their airway. Once the brain realizes it is no longer receiving oxygen, the body is jolted by a sharp, gasping intake of breath. This cycle may repeat all night long, up to 20 or 30 times per hour.
An oral appliance for sleep apnea (also referred to as a sleep apnea dental device) is a custom-fitted dental device created by your sleep apnea dentist. Similar to an athletic mouthguard, this sleep apnea mouthpiece holds your jaw open slightly forward and may also work to position the tongue clear of the airway. This allows the sleeper to breathe freely all night long.
How does an oral appliance for sleep apnea work?
The mechanism of an oral appliance for sleep apnea is very simple. The fitted mouthguard positions the jaw forward to prevent relaxed muscles and tissues from blocking your airway. The muscles may still be relaxed, but because the jaw is forward they are kept well clear of the airway.
Additionally, an oral appliance for sleep apnea helps prevent snoring. An estimated 90 million people in the U.S. snore, and it is a telltale sign of sleep apnea. Preventing snoring is something your sleeping partner will appreciate, too!
Where can I get an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
There are over 80 different oral appliances for sleep apnea on the market. Some over-the-counter boil-and-bite options can be picked up at your local drugstore. The only FDA approved options for the treatment of sleep apnea, though, are available through your sleep apnea dentist. The process of getting an oral device for sleep apnea is simple.
The first step is a physical examination, including X-rays, to get a baseline for the health of your teeth. As other dental issues such as bruxism can be associated with sleep apnea, it’s important to make sure your oral health is cared for.
Your dentist will then take either a physical mold of your teeth or a digital model. Either way, these models are sent to a lab where your appliance is created for you.
Once your oral appliance is complete, your dentist will check the fit to make sure the appliance is not rubbing or irritating your gums. They will also instruct you on the proper care and cleaning of your appliance and carefully review instructions for its use.
Pros and cons of an oral appliance for sleep apnea
It is important to consider the pros and cons of an oral appliance for sleep apnea before getting fitted for one. The primary question for patients is whether or not they work as well as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, the most prescribed treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. The answer is a conditional yes.
Compliance
While it is true that a CPAP machine remains the best option for safe and effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, many patients have problems with compliance. The CPAP machine is bulky and noisy. The mask that fits over the mouth and nose is getting more comfortable as technology advances. Even so, some sleepers have problems adjusting to it. Additionally, even if sleepers can adjust to the mask, their sleeping partners may not be able to sleep with it. A CPAP machine lets out nightly humming, hissing, and clicking noises.
For all of these reasons, compliance with CPAP treatment can be very low. A review of literature noted that studies conducted over a 20-year period found compliance rates just over 34%. As noted above, non-compliance with your treatment can be just as dangerous as undiagnosed sleep apnea. Some sleepers just cannot adjust to the machine, and there it sits, gathering dust in their bedroom.
Because of this, the average success rate of an oral appliance for sleep apnea is very high when compared to a CPAP machine. A major pro of the sleep apnea mouthpiece is its total ease of use. It is small, quiet, and affects no one but the sleeper. There is an adjustment period as you get used to sleeping with something in your mouth. However, most patients find that the adjustment period is worth it to reap the benefits of treatment.
Maintenance
Additionally, whereas a CPAP machine can be bulky, an oral appliance for sleep apnea is easy to travel with. There is no additional luggage to be checked or carried on to a plane – sleep apnea dental devices fit in your pocket or purse.
In addition to ease of use and portability, an oral appliance for sleep apnea is easy to clean and maintain. It can be rinsed every morning with warm water and cleaned periodically with antibacterial dish soap and a soft-bristled brush to maintain hygiene. CPAP machines require much more diligence to keep dangerous mold and bacteria out of the mask and tubing.
Cost
Some patients may be able to get insurance coverage for a sleep apnea mouthpiece. Even if your insurance does not cover it fully, it will generally be much more affordable than other treatment options.
An oral appliance for sleep apnea may not be effective for severe sleep apnea (defined by 30 or more pauses in breath an hour), but those with mild or moderate sleep apnea may find themselves sleeping better with a dental device.
AZ Dentist is your sleep apnea dentist in Phoenix and all over the Valley. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea and want to know if an oral appliance for sleep apnea will work for you, get in touch today!
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