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Using Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea Is An Effective Alternative To CPAP

| Tuesday, 2 July 2013
By Ines Brennan


Patients experiencing the condition known as sleep apnea suffer from periods of shallow respiration or even no respiration while they are sleeping. Some patients are recommended to use a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure), but this isn't appropriate for everyone. The use of dental appliances for sleep apnea is another approach which is simple and can also be effective for establishing normals respiratory patterns.

There are many types of appliances which can prevent sleep apnea which work in different ways. Some reposition the lower jaw while others hold the tongue in a forward position. Although such devices can be obtained rather easily, including ordering them online, it is always best to visit a dentist or orthodontist who specializes in this kind of treatment. They will be able to provide patients with custom-fitted appliances which are more effective than those which are ready to wear and not made to specifications.

A dental healthcare provider will make plaster molds of the patient's teeth. These impressions will be used to craft a device which takes into account the unique size and shape of the mouth. Ultimately a custom-made appliance will offer a higher level of effectiveness and more comfort.

Other assessment measures may also be needed in order to design a properly fitting device for the patient. A second set of impressions will be taken and sent to a laboratory where they will be used in the manufacture of the appliance itself. Once the device is completed, the patient will need to try it on to see if any adjustments will be needed.

Anti-apnea appliances are mostly worn much like a retainer. It is common for them to feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but as the wearer becomes accustomed to it, this typically fades. If there is notable jaw pain, specifically in the temporomandibular joint, this needs to be evaluated by the dentist and should be monitored closely to avoid a long-term problem. Those with TMJ may need to consider a different route of treatment.

Over the course of wearing the apparatus, the jaw will gradually shift forward more, which is most notable after about six months of use. This occurs intentionally as to optimize the effectiveness of the appliance and the safety of its use.

After several weeks of treatment, the patient will normally attend a second sleep study to evaluate how effective it has been. He or she should be sure to undergo this procedure at the original facility where the first assessments were done, as it will be easier to compare results. If an improvement is noted, the therapy is presumed to be working and no changes are necessary.

Dental appliances for sleep apnea can be quite effective and are a good option for patients who do not wish to rely on a CPAP machine each night. It's always a good idea to consult a dental professional when seeking this kind of treatment, in order to get the most suitable device for the patient. In some cases, changes in treatment are needed for a better outcome.




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