Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Are you tired of waking up feeling exhausted? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring? If so, you might be one of the millions of people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This common sleep disorder can significantly impact your health and quality of life.
In this blog, Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD, explains sleep apnea, why it’s important to treat it, and how a custom-fit oral device can improve your sleep and quality of life.
Table of Contents
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes blocked or partially blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. This can happen hundreds of times a night, disrupting your sleep cycle and leading to a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and cognitive impairment.
Key Takeaway
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are effective in reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, particularly in patients with mild to moderate conditions. These devices work by repositioning the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, improving breathing and reducing apnea episodes.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea can be the first step towards effective treatment. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of breathing cessation witnessed by another person
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty paying attention while awake
- Irritability
Stages of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSA is classified into three stages based on the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which measures the average number of apnea (complete cessation of breathing) and hypopnea (partial reduction of breathing) events per hour of sleep:
- Mild sleep apnea: AHI of 5-15 events per hour. You may experience snoring, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue.
- Moderate sleep apnea: AHI of 15-30 events per hour. Symptoms may include loud snoring, frequent awakenings during sleep, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
- Severe sleep apnea: AHI of more than 30 events per hour. You may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems, mood swings, and an increased risk of serious health complications.
Why It’s Important to Treat Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to numerous adverse effects impacting your overall quality of life. Recurrent drops in oxygen levels during sleep strain the cardiovascular system, raising your blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, poor sleep quality can contribute to cognitive function decline, daytime fatigue, and a heightened risk of accidents.
Benefits of Using Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
For many individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, custom-fit oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable and effective treatment option.
There are two types available:
1. Mandibular advancement devices (MAD): gently repositions your lower jaw and tongue forward during sleep. This opens up your airway by preventing the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing and blocking the flow of air.
2. Tongue-stabilizing device (TSD): holds your tongue in a forward position using a small bulb or suction cup. By keeping your tongue from falling back into your throat, TRDs prevent airway obstruction and ensure smooth breathing during sleep.
*At Power Road Dental Care we offer the mandibular advancement device.
How Oral Appliances Improve Sleep Quality and Quality of Life
- Improved breathing during sleep: Oral appliances will help you maintain an open airway, reducing apneas and improving airflow.
- Increased comfort: Custom-fitted devices like mandibular advancement splints are tailored to your mouth, providing a comfortable fit and making them easier to wear consistently.
- Improved daytime functioning: Better sleep quality translates into increased alertness, better mood, and enhanced cognitive function during the day.
- Combination therapy: Oral appliances can be used in place of a CPAP machine when it is not convenient to bring the machine with you, ie. traveling. It is effective for patients with mild to moderate OSA who don’t like the CPAP machine.
FAQs About Dental Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Do dental appliances really help sleep apnea?
Yes, dental appliances have been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. They work by repositioning the jaw or stabilizing the tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
What is the success rate of dental appliances for sleep apnea?
The success rate of dental appliances varies depending on individual factors such as the severity of the sleep apnea and the specific type of appliance used. However, sleep studies indicate that mandibular advancement devices can reduce the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by roughly 50% in many patients.
How much does a mandibular device cost?
On average, patients can expect to pay between $2500 and $3500 for a custom-fit device for sleep apnea. If no medical insurance coverage is available to cover the cost, offten times, the billing is through medical insurance and not dental insurance or a dental benefit plan. This cost usually includes the evaluation, fitting, and follow-up appointments with a dental or sleep specialist.
Better Sleep with Power Road Dental Care
We offer custom-fitted oral appliance therapy to help you manage sleep apnea effectively. Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD, will work with you to design a treatment plan tailored to your needs, ensuring you achieve quality sleep and a better quality of life.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have been diagnosed and are looking for an effective treatment for sleep apnea, contact us today to explore how sleep apnea dental appliances can help you breathe easier and sleep better.
If you are searching for a dentist in Mesa that offers oral appliances for sleep apnea, we can help! Call (480) 664-1438 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.