The Advantages of an Oral Appliance/Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece

If you are someone who suffers from obstructive sleep apnea, seeking treatment as soon as possible is critical. Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous condition that could have a severe effect on your wellbeing and health. At Distinctive Dental Solutions, our team is here to answer your questions about sleep apnea mouthpieces. Here’s an overview of some of the advantages of an oral appliance/sleep apnea mouthpiece for obstructive sleep apnea—

What Is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

First, it’s important to understand exactly what an oral appliance is. An oral appliance is a device that is fitted into a patient’s mouth during the night and helps to keep the airway open. The appliance does this by blocking the tongue or/and advancing the lower jaw forward. 

What Are the Advantages of an Oral Appliance/Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece?

There are multiple advantages to an oral appliance for sleep apnea, including:

• Keeping the airway open—an oral appliance can be an effective treatment option for keeping the airway open and preventing the wearer from starting and stopping breathing multiple times throughout the night.
• Reducing snoring—not only will an oral appliance keep the throat open, but it will reduce or eliminate snoring.
• Minimally invasive—unlike surgery or a CPAP machine, an oral appliance for sleep apnea is convenient, easy to use, and relatively non-invasive. These devices are also quieter and more comfortable. 

Are There Any Downsides?

Oral appliances aren’t for everyone. For some people, sleeping with something on their face takes a lot of getting used to, and may prove to be too uncomfortable to bear. Another consideration is that an oral appliance is a treatment option, but it isn’t a solution that gets at the root of the problem. Some lifestyle changes that can help sleep apnea include diet and exercise, as weight loss is often an effective treatment option for sleep apnea. Sometimes, treating other health conditions that are contributing to or causing sleep apnea is also effective. 

For most people, managing sleep apnea is the most important thing. For these people, an oral appliance is an easy, convenient, and effective way to improve sleep apnea and minimize the side effects of this challenging condition. 

How Can I Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment?

If you want to learn more about sleep apnea treatment and oral devices as an effective treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea, our dental professionals can help. Our dentists can work with your doctor to find an oral appliance that’s right for you. To learn more, reach out to our team today.