Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance

A sleep apnea dental appliance, often referred to as a sleep apnea mouthpiece, is a very effective therapy to reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. Available for all budgets, a sleep apnea dental appliance may be just what you need.

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What Is A Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance ?

If you have ever seen the typical gumshields that are used in most contact sports these days, you will have seen something that looks very similar or a sleep apnea dental appliance. These 'gumshields' are worn in the mouth at night whilst the patient sleeps, and are designed to alleviate sleep apnea and snoring symptoms in a number of ways.

Depending on the type of dental appliance for sleep apnea you choose, it can work by preventing the tongue sliding back in the mouth, and subsequently causing a blockage of the airway, or it may work to reposition the lower jaw in a way that the airway and breathing is maximised, a little like the recovery position in first aid. Here is an overview of the two systems.

Tongue Retaining Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance

In this type of sleep apnea treatment, a small suction cup on the sleep apnea device is attached to the front of the tongue. The device is positioned in the mouth and held in place by the teeth. The suction cup prevents the tongue from slipping backwards. These devices work well for many sleep apnea sufferers and can be purchased off the shelf from online retailers as well as good pharmacies.

Mandibular Repositioning Sleep Apnea Dental Device

This type of sleep apnea mouthpiece, as the name declares, is an oral appliance used to reposition the patients mandible (jaw) in a slightly forward position. Often custom made by a dentist, these ensure the lower jaw protrudes a little during sleep. By pulling the lower jaw forward a little, the position of the tongue is affected. As the tongue is attached to the lower jaw, this repositioning allows for a clear airway to be maintained.

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A sleep apnea dental device can be made by your local orthodontist or sleep apnea dentist, who will be well versed with the condition. These are a good first step in controlling sleep apnea, as they are totally non invasive, can be adjustable, and are often a much better alternative than continuous positive airway pressure CPAP therapy, providing your symptoms are not too severe. Always consult with your doctor before implementing any strategy or change to your current treatment.

For many patients with sleep apnea trouble, an off the shelf model may work fine. They utilise a simple initial fitting system, where the mouthpiece is soaked in near boiling water to soften the plastic, and then placed in the mouth and clamped by the teeth. This cooling then sets the sleep apnea mouthpiece to the wearers own personal contours and be comfortable to wear.

For in depth information on these types of elasomeric sleep appliance products, the American Sleep Apnea Association website is a good resource.

Amazon are a good source for sleep apnea cures and stop snoring appliances, check out online store for more information. Good luck in your quest to beat sleep apnea or treat snoring, and we hope you have success with sleep apnea dental appliance therapy.