What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment designed to address obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the upper airway collapses during sleep, blocking airflow. This collapse occurs because the muscles supporting the airway relax, allowing the force of gravity to close the airway.
Oral appliances are custom-made devices that fit in your mouth, similar to a mouthguard. These appliances work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to prevent the airway from collapsing. As a result, they not only treat sleep apnea but also significantly reduce or eliminate snoring.
Unlike CPAP machines, which use pressurized air to keep the airway open, oral appliances offer a more comfortable, portable, and easier-to-use alternative, particularly for individuals with mild to moderate OSA.
Who Should Consider Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is ideal for:
- People with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
- Individuals with severe OSA who cannot tolerate a CPAP mask.
- Those who want a more comfortable, custom-fitted alternative to CPAP.
If your sleep apnea is mild to moderate, your insurance provider will often cover the cost of the appliance as a frontline treatment option. However, patients with severe OSA are typically required to try CPAP first before exploring alternatives.
Types of Oral Appliances
Dr. Berry offers several types of oral appliances to meet the specific needs of each patient. These include:
- Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): Also known as mandibular advancement splints (MAS), these devices are designed to push the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open. MADs, like SomnoMed, Herbst, and TAP 3, are the most commonly prescribed oral appliances due to their proven success rates. Insurance companies typically cover these devices because of their effectiveness.
- Tongue-retaining devices (TRDs): These devices prevent the tongue from falling backward during sleep, which can block the airway. While TRDs can be effective, they are less commonly used because some patients find them uncomfortable. Dr. Berry offers tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs), but they are typically reserved for specific cases.
- Hybrid Devices: These appliances combine the benefits of an oral appliance with CPAP therapy, allowing for lower air pressure settings. Dr. Berry offers the TAP-PAP device, which provides a more comfortable solution for patients who struggle with traditional CPAP.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
While CPAP machines are often prescribed as the gold standard for treating sleep apnea, many patients find oral appliance therapy to be a more convenient and effective option. The key benefits include:
- Comfort: Oral appliances are small, discreet, and easy to wear, unlike CPAP masks, which can cause skin irritation or discomfort.
- Easy to use: Simply place the device in your mouth before going to bed. Oral appliances require far less maintenance than CPAP, which involves nightly assembly and cleaning, making them a practical choice in dental sleep medicine.
- Cost-effective: Many insurance plans cover the cost of oral appliance therapy, and over time, it tends to be more affordable than CPAP, especially for patients with high deductibles.
- Travel-friendly: Oral appliances are compact and portable, making them a great option for frequent traveling.
FAQ: Common Questions About Oral Appliance Therapy
How do I find a dentist experienced in apnea treatment?
Look for a sleep dentist who is a member of organizations such as the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) or American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). These credentials indicate advanced training in dental sleep medicine.
Can sleep apnea be treated without a CPAP mask?
Yes, oral appliance therapy is a proven alternative in dental sleep medicine for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. It is a comfortable, easy-to-use option that maintains your upper airway without the need for pressurized air.
What are the benefits of an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
Oral appliances are discreet, portable, and easy to care for. They are custom-fitted to ensure comfort and are covered by most insurance providers for mild to moderate OSA.
How does a dental appliance treat sleep apnea?
Oral appliances, as part of dental sleep medicine, prevent the collapse of the airway by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue, allowing uninterrupted airflow during sleep.
Get Relief with Oral Appliance Therapy in Denver
If you’re struggling with obstructive sleep apnea and find that CPAP is not the right solution, consider oral appliance therapy. Contact Dr. Kevin Berry at the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado at (303) 691-0267 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a custom-fitted oral appliance can improve your sleep and overall health.