What is an Oral Appliance?

Oral appliances are simple in how they function as sleep treatments. An oral appliance keeps the airway open by keeping the lower jaw and tongue from falling back and blocking the airway. This is similar to the “head tilt, chin lift” procedure taught in CPR classes. While there are many appliances on the market, they all have the same treatment goals in keeping the airway open by preventing the jaw from falling back.

Oral appliances are made out of a variety of materials, most being adjustable. The sleep treatment appliance being adjustable is important so that an effective jaw position can be found. In our office, patients have required follow-up visits, during which the appliance can be adjusted if needed and sleep studies to ensure that the appliance is working as well as possible.

Oral Appliance Therapy

 An oral appliance works by allowing the tongue and lower jaw to move forward which opens and stabilizes the airway. You must be custom fitted for an oral appliance in order for it to be effective. Over-the-counter devices are not recommended as a treatment option for snoring or sleep apnea and have been proven to not be as effective. Members of our sleep team collaborate to provide you with oral appliance therapy. A board certified sleep medicine physician must diagnose obstructive sleep apnea using a sleep study. Once you are diagnosed, Dentists must have special training in treating sleep apnea. Dr. Karen Johnson is trained in dental sleep medicine and a Diplomate with the International Academy of Sleep and is qualified to fit you with an oral appliance.

Benefits Of Oral Appliance Therapy

  • Permits normal mouth opening
  • Allows for speech and drinking
  • Safe and effective
  • Clinically validated
  • Easily adjustable
  • Custom fit
  • Packs and travels with ease
  • Warranty against breakages
  • Can be used with a CAP for added benefits
  • No fear of electrical outages

FAQs

  • If I snore, do I have sleep apnea? Snoring frequently accompanies sleep apnea but it is not always an indicator of whether this sleep condition is present. However, snoring can indicate that bulky throat tissue could potentially obstruct airways – especially if patients have certain lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep apnea. Fortunately, the treatment we offer for sleep apnea and snoring is the same. By prescribing a custom oral appliance, the diameter of the airway can be widened to prevent the sounds of snoring as well as episodes of apnea. These oral appliances are soft and comfortable to wear. They work by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward so that the airway is no longer obstructed.
  • Is it possible that I have sleep apnea even if I don’t snore? The exact cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different for each person. Anyone can develop it, regardless of age or gender. The most common risk factors include:
  • Being over age 40
  • Having a large neck (over 17 inches in men, 16 inches for women)
  • Being overweight – approximately half of OSA sufferers are overweight
  • Being male – more men than women suffer from OSA
  • Having a large tongue or small jaw
  • Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (particularly in children)
  • Using alcohol or sedatives which relax the muscles in the airway
  • Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum or sinus and allergy problems
  • What is the difference between a CPAP and an oral appliance? While CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea, many people cannot tolerate the discomfort of  the mask and the inconvenience and noise of the machine. Therefore a high percentage of users have difficulty or will not wear them. An oral appliance is a popular alternative to the CPAP. This device is small, portable, fits more comfortably and can provide similar treatment benefits.
  • How do you confirm the effectiveness of the oral appliance? You will have a follow-up sleep study while using your oral appliance to confirm the effectiveness of the device. A consultation with the sleep medicine physician will be necessary to interpret the results.
  • Does insurance cover sleep apnea treatment? Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isn’t covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed. If coverage is available for oral appliances, it will come from your medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.   Our patients tell us it is well worth the investment of their time and money to treat their sleep apnea because of the improved quality of life they experience.