Question
What are the benefits of using an oral appliance for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
Answer
After the individual completes a sleep test, the results confirm sleep apnea. Guess what? You get to wear CPAP. The individual says, “I do not think so, are there other treatments?” The person may be worried about claustrophobia, traveling, or carrying a large device which increases the likelihood of not following through with treatment. Your dentist can talk about other treatments with you. They can fit you with a custom-fit oral device that moves your lower jaw forward, making breathing easier. Usually, a dentist will work with a board-certified sleep specialist to manage your care. The board-certified sleep doctor helps make sure it is working effectively for you. The physician will oversee your treatment, while the dentist will make changes to your oral device as needed to improve your symptoms. Now, we have this happy patient, an individual who is not having to wear a mask, and when you travel, you can put this in your purse, bag, or pocket.
You place the oral appliance inside your mouth, and the top and lower teeth help pull your lower jaw forward or stabilize it, thereby opening your airway. It is not a large appliance. It helps to serve two purposes, sleep apnea and someone grinding their teeth, which can lead to more dental work and more money, which we want to avoid if possible.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, A Team Approach to Sleep Apnea, presented by Kelvin Imo, DDS, IAOS-Diplomate Candidate.
