An Oral Appliance is a custom-fit, mouth-guard-like device worn only while you sleep. It keeps your airway open and unobstructed by supporting your jaw in a forward position to keep the upper airway from collapsing and blocking the airway. (definition by AADSM)
Who may benefit from an Oral Appliance?
Someone who:
Has been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea
Snores loudly and keeps partner awake
Has tried CPAP and cannot tolerate it
Travels often and need a more portable option.
Refuses surgery to help sleep apnea or has had surgery and not received desired result
Could benefit from combined therapy.
Benefits of Oral Appliances
Comfortable
Easy to wear
Quiet
Portable
Convenient for travel
Easy to care for
While most patients find oral appliance therapy to be much more comfortable compared to using a CPAP machine, there will still be a bit of an adjustment period when a person begins treatment. A patient may initially experience:
Soreness in the jaw
Changes in how the bite feels
Tender or sensitive teeth and gums
An increase or decrease in saliva production
A change in the jaw’s resting position
Types of Oral Appliances
Customized Oral Appliance Therapy
We offer a variety of the top oral appliances so we can meet the individual needs of our patients. Every oral appliance is fitted to each patient so the appliance is both effective and comfortable.
***Although there are a few OVER-THE-COUNTER appliances you can purchase at drug stores or even online, remember that these oral appliances are NOT FDA approved for sleep apnea. When not fitted properly over-the-counter appliances can cause unwanted side effects, such as jaw problems or tooth movement or can even have the opposite effect and inadvertently WORSEN sleep apnea.
Examples of Oral Sleep Appliances we use:
