Oral appliance therapy could be what you need for a better nights sleep.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that could be affecting you. Obstructive sleep apnea makes a person stop breathing while sleeping. Because the airways close, the brain signals the person who is suffering to wake up and start breathing again.

Dr. Jack Ringer, a certified oral appliance therapy provider and Past President and Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry understands the effects of sleep apnea while providing you an alternative solution to OSA.

What is a CPAP Machine?

A CPAP machine is used to help a person suffering from obstructive apnea sleep better. Sleeping is said to eliminate snoring to help you breathe better. Using a mask, hoses, and a small machine, a CPAP forces air through the mask via a breathing tube. Although it has been proven to work and is a safer alternative to surgery, most of the uncomfortable continuous positive airway pressure device users tend to leave it alone after a few months of treatment. CPAP machines take a bit of getting used to and can be uncomfortable and bulky.

An Alternative to CPAP

Oral appliance therapy is a solution used by your OSA dentist in Orange County to help patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea get a better night’s sleep.

Very similar to custom made mouth protectors, oral appliance therapy devices come in two categories.

Mandibular Advancement Devices-Referred to as MADs they work much like orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards as they snap over your lower and upper dental arches. Made in two pieces, they hinge together with one guard fitting over the bottom teeth and the other over the top of your dental arch. MADS push your tongue and jaw slightly forward preventing the airways from collapsing. Dr. Ringer can adjust your MAD to fine-tune your jaw position.

Tongue Retaining Mouthpieces-Similar to MADs, tongue-retaining mouthpieces have a small compartment that is made to fit around your tongue. Suction helps keep it forward. This prevents airway collapse.

Dr. Ringer can custom make an oral appliance for OSA, and although over the counter, remedies are available, they are not recommended. In fact, oral appliances from your local pharmacy can actually complicate the condition.

Many people who opt for over the counter oral appliances without consulting a sleep aide dentist may snore less, but chances are there will be complications to contend with, as snoring is only a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

Oral Appliance Therapy Pros

• Dental devices tend to be tolerable and comfortable
• Less dry mouth
• Less cumbersome
• No entanglement
• Less equipment
• Easier to travel with

Oral Appliance Cons

• Jaw tension
• Jaw pain
• Jaw soreness
• Excessive salivation
• Change to bite or jaw position
• Dental restoration loosening or damage

Who is a Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?

• People who suffer from mild to moderate OSA
• Patients who snore
• People who have not been successful with CPAP therapy
• Patients who have refused surgery or were unsuccessful

If you are concerned about OSA, contact your primary care physician who will refer you to a sleep specialist or a sleep clinic. If you test positive in home or clinic tests, ask the sleep specialist about oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy could be an option if you suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea can cause all sorts of health issues including heart failure and death. If you are tired all day, find yourself gasping for air while sleeping or have had breathing cessation witnessed by another person call and schedule an appointment with your doctor. Once you have been diagnosed, you can talk to Dr. Ringer about oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, call and talk to Dr. Ringer about oral appliance therapy. Dr. Ringer will custom fit the right device helping you get a better night’s sleep.

Call for more information today.