If your sleep apnea is affecting your overall health and lifestyle, it doesn’t necessarily have to be treated with bulky, uncomfortable machines or other complicated solutions. Instead, oral appliance therapy is a common choice among patients looking to alleviate the uncomfortable side effects of obstructive sleep apnea. Northview Family Dental customizes each sleep appliance to the specific needs and airway anatomy of the patient. For a patient looking for sleep apnea relief in Spokane, WA, this could be a practical and effective choice.
It is important to note that oral appliances are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each patient is a unique individual with a unique sleep disorder, so each sleep appliance is also a unique treatment. By becoming familiar with the different types of sleep appliances, you can determine whether this treatment is right for you.
How Oral Sleep Appliances Work
Oral sleep appliances are designed to help keep the airway open during sleep. A custom-made sleep appliance is worn during sleep and helps open up the airway by repositioning the jaw, tongue, or some other portion of the mouth. By keeping the airway open and allowing for more airflow, sleep apnea patients can often enjoy fewer interruptions throughout the night, better quality sleep, and improved energy levels during the day. The use of a sleep appliance may offer patients the following advantages:
- Improved airflow during sleep.
- Less snoring.
- Fewer interruptions during the night.
- Less intrusive.
Custom-made dental appliances are built for comfort, and each one is custom-fabricated to provide a specific fit for the patient.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
One of the most common types of oral appliances is the mandibular advancement device. It shifts the lower jaw forward while you sleep to keep the airway open. By shifting the lower jaw forward, you allow the airway to be more open, which can reduce the frequency and severity of obstructive apnea events. Many people like this kind of sleep appliance because:
- Mandibular advancement devices are portable.
- It doesn’t require any electricity.
- It can be easily adjusted for optimal comfort.
Patients in Spokane, WA, will often opt for the mandibular advancement device as a comfortable, effective alternative to heavier sleep apnea treatment options.
Tongue Retaining Devices
Sometimes, sleep apnea occurs when the tongue shifts to a position that restricts airflow. A tongue retaining device, then, serves to hold the tongue forward during sleep so that it doesn’t get blocked in the back of your mouth. Sleep apnea patients who have airway blockage caused by poor tongue positioning can benefit from this type of sleep appliance. Possible benefits include:
- Maintaining an open airway without shifting the position of the jaw.
- A treatment option for particular types of sleep apnea.
- A comfortable approach to sleep apnea treatment.
Custom-Fitted Vs. Over-The-Counter Appliances
Many over-the-counter options are available that claim to treat both snoring and sleep apnea. The issue, however, is that these devices aren’t custom-made. Custom appliances are made with precise molds of your mouth, so they fit better and work better. A custom appliance is likely to be:
- More comfortable than an over-the-counter device.
- A secure and lasting fit in your mouth.
- More effective at preventing airway collapse.
- Able to be readjusted to meet your needs.
We’ll help you determine which oral appliance is the best option for you.
What Are Your Options? How Do We Determine Which Is Right For You?
There are many different types of oral appliances, and we’ll determine which is the best treatment for you after a thorough consultation. Your sleep apnea severity, jaw position, airway anatomy, previous dental work, and preference will help guide your treatment plan.
At Northview Family Dental, we don’t rely on the “one size fits all” approach to sleep apnea management. Instead, our dental professionals will consider all of these factors when determining which appliance would be the most appropriate treatment for you. Some of the considerations during your evaluation include:
- Your sleep apnea severity.
- Your airway anatomy.
- Your jaw position and alignment.
- Previous dental work and the condition of your teeth.
- Your personal comfort preferences and lifestyle.
We take all of these considerations into account when choosing an oral appliance to help ensure the best treatment possible, both for you to tolerate on a nightly basis and the best outcome in managing your symptoms.
Do We Monitor Treatment Over Time?
We don’t just make and dispense an oral appliance; we also monitor to see how the device is working for you. During follow-up appointments, we’ll evaluate the fit and function of the appliance and determine if adjustments are needed to help you get the optimal benefits from your oral appliance therapy. As your needs change, your treatment will change with you. We can make adjustments during routine appointments to help keep your appliance comfortable, effective, and supportive of your ongoing needs over the long-term. Long-term care can help you:
- Enjoy the most comfortable fit for your oral appliance.
- Achieve the most effective airway support possible for you.
- Identify any changes that may affect the success of your treatment.
- Improve your sleep quality over time.
Why Choose Northview Family Dental For Oral Appliance Therapy?
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you deserve a treatment plan that not only works effectively but also fits into your lifestyle. With oral appliance therapy, you receive treatment that is custom-fitted to fit you comfortably and effectively. Patients in Spokane, WA, who work with the team at Northview Family Dental have access to personalized oral appliance therapy, advanced diagnostic technology, and a custom treatment plan focused on long-term sleep apnea management. From airway assessment and digital x-rays to fitting and ongoing follow-up care, we'll help make the sleep apnea treatment process as comfortable as possible and help ensure the best outcome from your chosen therapy.
Most importantly, we want you to be able to enjoy better sleep and better health! By helping you determine the right oral appliance therapy for you, Northview Family Dental can help guide you to better breathing, restorative sleep, and improved health.