Patients Using Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea Can Experience Relief

By Ines Brennan


Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person's breathing becomes very shallow or ceases altogether for several seconds periodically during sleep. The use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)machine is effective for some, but is not the only alternative. Dental appliances for sleep apnea can also help correct this condition and encourage normal breathing patterns in patients.

Different types of appliances exist for this purpose which work in various ways but achieve the same results. There are some which keep the tongue in a forward position, while others reposition the lower jaw. It is easy to come by these appliances, as there are even online sites where they can be bought, however it is recommended to instead consult a dentist or orthodontist who provides this type of treatment. Patients will be fitted for custom-made appliances that offer more comfort and effectiveness.

A dental healthcare provider will make plaster molds of the patient's teeth. These impressions will be used to craft a device which takes into account the unique size and shape of the mouth. Ultimately a custom-made appliance will offer a higher level of effectiveness and more comfort.

There are also other evaluations that need to be done in order to ensure that the device is made to proper fit. Another set of molds will be made and sent to a laboratory where the appliance will be created. When the patient returns he or she will receive the apparatus and the dentist will perform any adjustments that may be needed for fit and comfort.

Most anti-apnea devices are worn similar to a retainer, there may be some slight discomfort at first but this is normal and in most cases the patient gets used to it without problem. However, if there is any pain in the jaw, especially the temporomandibular joint, this must be pointed out to the dentist as another approach may be needed. People who suffer from TMJ are not good candidates for using these appliances. Any discomfort in the jaw needs to be closely watched, in order to prevent a problem from developing.

Wearing the device will normally cause the jaw to shift increasingly forward. This is usually apparent by six months or more of appliance use. This effect is intended as it increases the safety and effectiveness of the device.

The patient will also need to attend a sleep study session after several weeks of treatment. This is done to determine if the approach has successfully eliminated or reduced the occurrence of apnea. It is advisable to undergo this assessment in the same facility where the first diagnostic was carried out, in order to allow easier comparison of results.

Not everyone can or wants to use a CPAP machine to control this disorder. Dental appliances for sleep apnea are the ideal solution for such patients. One must be sure to visit a dental professional however, as to get the most suitable device for his or her unique mouth shape. In some instances, an appliance may need to be altered to increase its effectiveness.




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