Oral Appliance Therapy in Henderson, NV

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a cutting-edge treatment option for sleep apnea that involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance during sleep. These appliances resemble mouthguards or retainers and are designed to reposition the jaw and maintain an open airway, preventing the collapse of soft tissues that cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common and serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, occur when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, causing a temporary blockage of the upper airway. As a result, individuals with OSA experience brief periods of partial or complete cessation of breathing during the night.

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?

Oral appliances work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue, which helps keep the airway open during sleep. By doing so, these appliances effectively alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and daytime fatigue.

During an initial consultation with Dr. Dadon-Harris, your oral health and sleep apnea condition will be assessed. If you’re a good candidate for oral appliance therapy, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and create a custom-fit appliance.

Once the appliance is ready, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to use and care for it. You’ll be guided on how to properly insert and remove the appliance and will have regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.

Types of Oral Appliances

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)

Mandibular advancement devices are the most widely used oral appliance for sleep apnea. They work by repositioning the lower jaw (mandible) forward during sleep, which helps keep the airway open and prevent obstruction. These devices typically consist of two trays for the upper and lower teeth, connected by adjustable hinges to allow for gradual advancement. MADs are custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth and can be adjusted by our dentist to find the optimal jaw position for reducing sleep apnea symptoms.

Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs)

Tongue-retaining devices are designed to hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from falling backward and blocking the airway. Unlike MADs, TRDs don’t reposition the jaw. Instead, they rely on suction or a bulb to hold the tongue.

TRDs may be a suitable option for individuals who can’t tolerate MADs or have dental issues that prevent them from using MADs.

Combination Devices

Some sleep apnea oral appliances combine features of both MADs and TRDs. These devices aim to advance the lower jaw while also providing tongue stabilization. Combination devices are customized to the patient’s oral anatomy and may offer enhanced effectiveness in certain cases.

Benefits of Oral Appliances

Oral appliance therapy offers several benefits as a treatment option for sleep apnea, including:

• Non-invasive: Unlike surgery, oral appliances don’t require any invasive procedures.
• Comfortable: They’re generally well-tolerated and more comfortable than other treatments like CPAP therapy.
• Portable: Oral appliances are small and portable, making them convenient for travel.
• Quiet: Unlike CPAP machines, they don’t produce noise.
• Improved compliance: Many patients find it easier to use oral appliances consistently than CPAP machines.

How Do I Know If I Need an Oral Appliance?

Candidacy for oral appliance therapy is determined based on several factors, including:

1. Type of Sleep Apnea: Oral appliance therapy is primarily recommended for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s generally not used as a treatment for central sleep apnea, which results from a failure of the brain to signal the muscles to breathe.
2. The Severity of Sleep Apnea: Oral appliance therapy is typically considered for individuals with mild to moderate OSA. For severe cases of OSA, other treatments like CPAP therapy or surgery may be more appropriate.
3. Medical History: The patient’s medical history, including any underlying health conditions or dental issues, is assessed. This helps determine whether the patient can tolerate wearing an oral appliance and if there are any contraindications.
4. Dental Health: The condition of the patient’s teeth and jaws is evaluated as oral appliances require proper dental support. Individuals with extensive dental work, such as missing, may not be suitable candidates.
5. Compliance: Some patients may have difficulty adapting to wearing an oral appliance during sleep. Assessing the patient’s willingness and ability to comply with the treatment plan is essential.
6. Preference: Patient preference plays a significant role in candidacy. Some individuals may prefer oral appliance therapy over other treatments like CPAP due to its comfort, portability, and quiet operation.

If you’re wondering if oral appliance therapy will work for you, contact our Henderson, NV dental team today by calling (702) 896-8933 to schedule a consultation. 

Alternative Sleep Apnea Treatments

In some cases, our dentist may recommend using an oral appliance with another type of sleep apnea treatment. 

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

CPAP is one of the most effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP machines deliver a continuous stream of oxygen through a mask to keep the airway open. It’s a tried and true method of sleep apnea treatment.

Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Therapy

BiPAP machines provide two levels of air pressure — one for inhalation and another for exhalation. These machines may be prescribed for patients who have difficulty tolerating traditional CPAP therapy, or those who require higher-pressure support. 

Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain lifestyle changes can be beneficial for managing mild cases of sleep apnea or as adjunctive therapies. These lifestyle changes may include:

• Weight loss: Losing excess weight, especially around the neck, can reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
• Positional therapy: Some individuals experience sleep apnea primarily when sleeping on their back (supine position). Sleeping on one’s side may help reduce symptoms.
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These substances can relax the throat muscles, exacerbating sleep apnea.

Frequently Asked Questions