Why Oral Appliance Therapy Is So Popular
Those who have sleep apnea can tell you first-hand how burdensome this condition can be. Even if someone doesn’t consciously realize that their sleep is being impaired, sleep apnea can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, tiredness, and numerous serious health conditions. For those who suffer from sleep apnea, there are myriad potential treatment options available. One of the most popular treatment options is the use of an oral appliance. Here’s an overview of what you should know about oral appliances and why these devices are so popular.
What Is an Oral Appliance?
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment for managing obstructive sleep apnea. An oral appliance is a device that resembles a mouthguard. These devices are fairly simple: they work to help keep the airway open during a person’s sleep by stabilizing the jaw (some devices will advance the jaw forward a bit) and as a result of the jaw stabilization, prevent the tongue from blocking the airway which allows a smooth air flow and proper oxygenation of every cell in the body.
Why Is Oral Appliance Therapy So Popular?
Oral appliance therapy is popular for a number of reasons, including:
- It works. One of the top reasons that patients love oral appliance therapy is because this type of therapy gets results and is effective.
- It’s less invasive. Compared to a CPAP machine, which works by continuously forcing air into the airway to help a person breathe, oral appliances are less intrusive and easier to use. These are smaller, custom fitted into the mouth, and non-invasive.
- Simple design and use. Not only are oral appliances less invasive than CPAP machines, but they also don’t require electricity, are easy to take while traveling, and are silent. This can improve your quality of life and do so without impacting a partner’s sleep.
How Can I Learn More About Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea?
If you’re someone who suffers from obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may help you. To determine if you’re a good candidate for an oral appliance, you will need to undergo an initial consultation with your dentist to determine candidacy. If you are a good candidate, then dental impressions will be taken.
Learning more about the efficacy of oral appliances for treating obstructive sleep apnea is easy. At Distinctive Dental Solutions, we are happy to provide you with a consultation to discuss your options. To learn more, please call our experienced oral health professionals directly or send us a message online. We are here to help you explore solutions to improving your health and dental outcomes.
