What is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?
Oral Appliances are similar to an orthodontic appliance or a mouth guard worn by athletes, only the purpose is not to straighten your teeth or protect from impact. The Oral Appliance is worn during sleep and works by positioning the jaw so that the tongue does not fall back against the throat and block the airway. This allows for adequate breathing and alleviates snoring and sleep apnea caused by a restricted airway.
Who Should Try OAT?
OAT is recommended as a first line of therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. It has been shown to be very effective and has a high compliance rate, making it an excellent long-term choice. It can be used in conjunction with CPAP for severe cases, but is usually used alone with great success. Another positive feature with OAT is its compact design making it easy to travel with.
Which One is Best?
There are numerous types of appliances available, as many as 100 have been approved by the FDA. However, any given appliance may be more effective than others for a particular individual. The oral appliance must be custom made, fitted and adjusted for proper effectiveness. This requires the services of a qualified dentist. At Texas Sleep & TMJ Solutions, our dentists have the experience to evaluate and recommend the best appliance for your needs. We also take all the necessary steps to ensure your appliance fits and works correctly.