Are you suffering from obstructive sleep apnea? Is your CPAP machine collecting dust on your nightstand? If so, there is an alternative treatment option that may be a better fit for you! Here’s what you need to know about sleep apnea oral appliances compared to CPAP machines.
What Is a Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance?
A sleep apnea oral appliance is a custom-fitted, mouthguard-like apparatus patients wear while they sleep. It is designed to reposition the lower jaw to keep the soft tissues from relaxing in the back of the throat and the tongue in place. By wearing an oral appliance, patients will be able to get the good night’s sleep they deserve without any airway obstructions.
CPAP Machines & Oral Appliances: How Do They Work?
CPAP machines utilize continuous pressurized air for patients while they sleep. The air is administered through a mask that patients wear during the night. The pressurized air keeps the soft tissues from relaxing and obstructing the airway. As discussed above, oral appliances work by adjusting the jawbone position to prevent the soft tissues and the tongue from falling back or relaxing into the airway.
Benefits of Oral Appliances
Oral appliances provide a variety of benefits for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, such as:
- Better sleep: Many patients report better sleep using oral appliances
- Easy to take on the go: Oral appliances are very convenient because they are small, compact, portable, and easy to disinfect
- More comfortable during sleep: Oral appliances don’t require any masks, tubes, or noises that make it hard to get a good night’s rest
- No dried-out sinuses: CPAP machines can cause congestion and a runny nose, whereas oral appliances do not negatively impact the sinuses
Schedule Your Oral Appliance Consultation
At Dental Solutions of Columbus in Columbus, IN, we offer custom-made oral appliances to help patients combat sleep apnea. We utilize high-quality materials and work one-on-one with patients to craft an appliance that perfectly fits their smiles. Please contact our office to schedule your consultation.