Snoring or sleep apnea causing problems?

An oral appliance is a small device, similar to an orthodontic retainer or an athletic mouthguard. It is worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent the soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Some appliances hold the lower jaw forward during sleep while others have a direct effect on tongue position.

Oral appliances relieve Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and snoring by realigning the jaw and/or tongue in relation to the head. Although oral appliances do not work on everybody, a well-made, well-fitted appliance may reduce or eliminate snoring, and may significantly relieve symptoms of OSA.

There are so many different types of appliances to accommodate the varying characteristics of sleep apnea patients, such as jaw size and shape, type and severity of apnea, and tolerance levels. Each appliance has a unique method of function and will have different effects on different patients. After a thorough exam and sleep evaluation, we will recommend the appliance that should give you optimum results. Keep in mind that the appliance you choose will be custom-fitted and tailored to your mouth’s anatomy. The position of the jaw is the most important factor in treatment and can only be confirmed with diagnostic tests. Once that position is found, the majority of patients are happy with their initial appliance.

Much research and testing has been performed to study the effects of oral appliances. Most oral appliances are FDA-approved for health and safety and do not pose any dangers under normal usage. A small number of patients may experience some jaw or tooth stress, at which point readjustments usually prove to be successful. Research has shown changes in tooth and jaw position over time, but these problems are usually minor and well tolerated by patients. Few patients would give up their appliances because of these problems.

Your oral appliance will be custom fit for maximum comfort and ease. There will be a short period of adjustment during which your mouth will adapt to the sensation of the oral appliance. If, for some reason, the appliance is noticeably uncomfortable, we will readjust the appliance to your liking.

Side effects are genuinely mild and generally take only a short time to adapt to. Depending on the oral appliance you choose, side effects can include mouth dryness, excessive salivation, tooth or jaw joint soreness. Many of these problems are self-limiting and go away in a short time for most patients. Bite changes may occur with time and often patients are unaware of these changes or find them favorable. If patients are aware of bite changes they should immediately contact us for advice on limiting or reversing changes.

Yes! Several current studies have shown oral appliances to be highly effective in treating the symptoms of sleep apnea, especially snoring and interrupted breathing. Patients must be consistent with usage and must follow our instructions.

We aim to make all treatment options affordable, so our patients can choose the optimum treatment for their needs, with little worry about cost. Oral appliance therapy costs are similar to that of other apnea treatments, and many insurance plans may cover a portion of the fees. Contact your extended health provider for details on what, or how much, your individual plan covers.