Oral dental appliance therapy for snoring and sleep apnea.

Unlike some other health issues there is no cure for sleep related breathing disorders. Certain lifestyle changes may help. These include: weight loss, avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, tobacco and hypnotic drugs. As far as treatment is concerned there are three suggested approaches to consider: Surgery, a CPAP Machine, or a Dental Oral Appliance.

Dental Oral Appliance therapy involves the selection, design, fitting, and adjustments of a specifically designed oral appliance that is worn during sleep and maintains an opened and unobstructed airway in the throat. They are similar to orthodontic retainers. With a few necessary adjustments they have many advantages over other forms of treatment. These appliances are comfortable to wear while sleeping, small & portable, and easy to care for.

Both the American Sleep Disorders Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend dental oral appliances for mild to moderate sleep apnea as a first line of defense for patients who prefer, do not respond, or have compliance problems with CPAP. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine further states that dental oral appliances should be fitted by qualified dental personnel who are specifically trained and experienced in the overall health, the temporomandibular joint, dental occlusion and associated oral structures.

If you’d like to get relief from your snoring or sleep apnea symptoms, make your appointment today to get fitted for your oral dental appliance.