Mandibular Advancement Devices (Oral Appliance) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and effective treatment. Oral appliance therapy helps you sleep better, ditch your CPAP machine and restores your alertness and health.
What are some signs of Sleep Apnea?
It’s important to note that Sleep Apnea can ONLY be diagnosed from a Sleep Test that is read by a board certified sleep physician. However, here are some signs of sleep apnea.
Common symptoms to look out for include:
- Loud snoring
- Breathing disturbances
- Gasping for air during the night
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Bruxism (night time teeth grinding)
If not treated, the sleep disturbance by OSA could lead to other health conditions, such as heart disease, elevated blood pressure, and depression.
Reasons Why an Mandibular Advancement Device is an Effective Treatment option for OSA
A sleep apnea oral appliance fits like an orthodontic retainer that you wear at night. It helps to support and maintain your lower jaw in a forward position. This opens up the airway allowing for an obstruction free pathway to the lungs.
Non-Invasive Snoring Treatment.
Using an oral appliance does not require surgery. Thus the sleep apnea device a non-invasive treatment.
Effective Alternative to CPAP.
Patients using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) often complain of discomfort wearing the mask, claustrophobia while wearing the mask and not being able to tolerate air pressure. Some patients simply refuse to continue CPAP therapy and would rather suffer the devastating effects of OSA.
Combination Therapy.
Patients who have severe OSA need very high-pressure settings with their CPAP therapy. As mentioned, some can’t tolerate the air pressure. Combining an oral appliance to open the airway allows patients to use a lower pressure setting on their CPAP machines
Convenient and Easy to Wear.
Patients do not need electricity to use an oral appliance. Patients are not connected to a machine with a bulky tube. Patients are free to move around while sleeping. The mandibular advancement appliance is easy to travel with.
Do you think you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Have you been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea but are not compliant with your CPAP. Come let Drs. West and explain the benefits of oral appliance therapy for OSA.