Should I Get an Oral Sleep Appliance?

Posted By: | Published On: | Oral Health Blogs
sleep-apnea

If you snore or have sleep apnoea, an oral appliance might be a smart investment. Unlike CPAP machines that force air into your lungs, an oral sleep appliance naturally opens your airway so that you can breathe easier.

Our Wyndham dentists can work with your physician or pulmonologist to determine if a mouthpiece could help you sleep more soundly!

How Oral Sleep Appliances Work

An oral sleep appliance is similar to a mouthguard that fits over your upper and lower teeth. The difference is that it guides your lower jaw forward, so that soft tissues at the back of your throat don’t close off your airway.

When your jaw is pushed forwards, it prevents your soft palate, tongue, and airway from sealing against one another. Since obstructive sleep apnoea is caused by airway blockage, an oral sleep appliance is a safe and holistic treatment method.

 

 Symptoms of Sleeping Disorders

Let our Wyndham dentists know if you’re exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Snoring
  • Fatigue
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • TMJ pain
  • Broken teeth
  • Large neck circumference
  • Headaches

Since we can screen for certain symptoms of sleeping disorder during your checkup, be sure to mention problems that your sleep partner may be aware of, such as snoring.

See Results as Soon as Day One

Depending on the severity of your sleeping disorder, wearing an oral appliance can help as soon as the first day. Sometimes the mouthpiece needs to be adjusted to find the best position for your mouth. It’s not uncommon for sleep mouthguards to make it so that you no longer need to use a bulky CPAP machine.