Oral Sleep Appliances

What is an oral sleep appliance?

An oral sleep appliance is a noninvasive treatment option for excessive snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night. This condition results when your airway muscles relax too much and interfere with your breathing. You may wake up several times a night, gasping for breath or snoring loudly enough to disrupt your partner’s sleep.

The oral sleep appliance fits snugly over your teeth, similar to a sports mouthguard, and positions your jaw forward to help open your airway. By using the appliance when you sleep, you can breathe easier and get high-quality sleep each night.

You may also be able to avoid the need for more complex treatment, such as the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

What can I expect during my consultation for an oral sleep appliance?

To determine if an oral sleep appliance is the right treatment option for your snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, the Emery & Scuro DMD, PC team reviews your medical history and your overall oral health. They take time to evaluate the position of your jaw and tongue and how it may interfere with your breathing.

If you’re a candidate for treatment with an oral sleep appliance, your provider makes a mold of your mouth and sends it to a medical lab to create your custom-fit device.

When your appliance is ready, you return to Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, for a fitting. The team ensures the appliance fits comfortably over your teeth and positions your jaw correctly. They may request a follow-up visit later to determine if treatment is working for your sleep apnea or snoring.

What are the benefits of an oral sleep appliance?

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk for long-term health complications, including high blood pressure and heart damage. By using an oral sleep appliance, you can protect your overall health and ensure you’re breathing properly during sleep.

An oral sleep appliance can also reduce the need for a CPAP machine, which can be noisy and uncomfortable to wear while you sleep. The appliance fits comfortably over your teeth and doesn’t need to connect to an external device like a CPAP machine.

Other benefits of an oral sleep appliance include:

• Convenient
• Noninvasive
• Easy to maintain
• Portable for travel
  
  

Your Emery & Scuro DMD, PC provider continues to monitor your use of an oral sleep appliance and your overall health. They can make necessary updates to your custom-fit appliance as needed to keep your jaw in the right position.

To find out if you’re a candidate for therapy with an oral sleep appliance, call Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, or request an appointment online today.