Oral devices, also called dental appliances or devices, is a medical option for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). These dental devices are recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea who have not used C-PAP therapy.
Mandibular advancement device (MAD) and Tongue retraining device (TRD) are examples of oral devices used to manage sleep apnea. Only trained dental professionals like your Premier Dental Care, Idaho Falls dentist should fit such devices.
Benefits of Dental Devices:
· Significant reduction in apnea episodes for those with mild-to-moderate apnea, especially if patients sleep either supine (on their backs) or prone (stomachs).
· Improved sleep for many patients.
· Improved and reduced frequency of snoring as well as loudness of snoring in most patients.
· Dental devices are proven to have better long-term control of sleep apnea when compared to the standard surgical treatment.
· Only a few complications with a dental device.
Disadvantages of using dental devices:
· Dental devices are not as effective as C-PAP therapy.
· The cost of these devices tends to be high.
· Nighttime pain, dry lips, tooth discomfort, and excessive salivation.
· Permanent changes in the position of the teeth or jaw have occurred in some cases of long-term use.
· In some rare cases, the treatment may worsen apnea.
If you want to know about sleep apnea and how to seek treatment, Dr. Tom Anderson of Premier Dental Care offers diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea. Your trusted Idaho Falls dentist is trained in the area of sleep apnea and can provide help in managing the disorder. Call today for a free consultation.
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