Sleep apnea can negatively impact many aspects of your overall health. If you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) a dental appliance may help you to reduce your symptoms and get a good night's rest.
For patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, dental appliances are available from your dentist that may help to reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea dental appliances gently hold your tongue and jaw towards the front of your mouth to help prevent your airway from becoming obstructed. As you get ready for bed each night, just fit your appliances over your teeth and go to bed.
Two main types of dental appliances are available to help reduce the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea: fixed dental appliances, (not adjustable but may offer relief of your sleep apnea symptoms) and adjustable dental appliances (fitted to the size and shape of your mouth by your dentist).
When it comes to dental appliances, comfort is essential. If your appliance is ill fitting or uncomfortable to wear you may avoid wearing it altogether. It can't work if you don't wear it. Fitted dental appliances are typically more comfortable because they fit the shape of your mouth better.
Our Delta dentist can fit your sleep apnea dental appliance so that it is comfortable to wear and works properly. If you have a dental appliance that is painful or uncomfortable to wear, speak to your dentist, they can help.
Any kind of dental appliance takes time to get used to. When you first begin using your sleep apnea dental appliance you may experience minor difficulties chewing or mild jaw discomfort but these issues should clear up quickly.