A Sleep Apnea Disorder Treatment That A Sleep Apnea Dentist Can Provide As An Alternative To CPAP
If you have sleep apnea, it's important to see your doctor to have a test that can diagnose your condition. Once sleep apnea is confirmed, your doctor can recommend treatment. There are a few ways to treat this medical condition. A popular sleep apnea disorder treatment is CPAP, but oral devices are sometimes used too.
Your doctor may want you to try a custom device rather than one that's sold over the counter. A dentist that's been trained in sleep apnea treatment can make a custom device for you. Here's an overview of custom oral appliances for sleep apnea and why they may be better than buying one that's not custom made.
How An Oral Appliance Helps Sleep Apnea
Wearing a device in your mouth while you sleep at night repositions your jaw or your tongue so your airway is no longer restricted when you breathe. The restriction is what causes snoring, so snoring is often improved along with sleep apnea.
If CPAP bothers you, and you're not comfortable with using it, then wearing a small device in your mouth could be a good alternative. Plus, a mouth device is easy to carry with you so you can take a nap anywhere and still be protected against sleep apnea.
Why A Custom Sleep Apnea Device Is Better
A custom oral appliance is made to fit your mouth so it's more comfortable. It might also be more effective, and you definitely want a sleep apnea treatment that works. The oral appliances you buy over the counter are usually made of soft plastic material that gets even softer when boiled. They are usually just one size, so you need to boil the appliance and then bite down on it to get it to fit your mouth. Then you put the appliance in ice water to make it harden into the shape you want.
This method doesn't make the device an exact fit for your mouth, so you might experience soreness, and it might be uncomfortable to wear. That might even cause you to remove the device at night if it keeps you awake.
How A Custom Mouth Device Is Made
One sleep apnea disorder treatment that your dentist may recommend is sleeping with a custom mouth guard of some type that pulls your tongue or jaw forward and out of the way so you can breathe freely when you fall asleep. The devices are made of hard plastic from a mold your dentist takes of your mouth and teeth. The mouth guard has hinges that can be adjusted to move the position of your jaw.
The dentist positions your new mouth guard in your mouth and shows you how to use it. They make any final adjustments you need to the fit so the appliance is as comfortable as possible. The guard should last a few years, but your dentist will probably want to see you occasionally to check the fit and make sure the appliance still works as needed to keep you breathing well through the night.
Contact your dentist to learn more about sleep apnea disorder treatment.