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Currently, over 80 different types of sleep apnea dental devices for snoring and
sleep apnea are available to specially trained dentists to treat sleep
disordered breathing. At first glance, this number appears overwhelming, but
upon closer examination, each of the appliances falls basically into one of two
categories and the diverse variety is simply a variation of a few major themes.
Oral appliances can be classified by mode of action or design variation.
•Tongue Retaining Appliances – There are very few tongue retaining devices available, but they have been well
studied and shown to be effective in many patients. Tongue retainers function
by directly holding the tongue in a forward position by means of a suction bulb
that holds the tongue. When the tongue is in a forward position, the back of
the tongue does not collapse during sleep and obstruct the airway in the
throat.
•Mandibular Repositioning Dental Appliances – Manidbular repositioning appliances are by far the most numerous types on the
market. They all function to reposition and maintain the lower jaw (mandible)
in a protruded position during sleep. Since the tongue is attached to the lower
jaw, it is felt that this serves to open the airway by indirectly pulling the
tongue forward by stimulating activity of the muscles in the tongue and making
it more rigid, and by holding the lower jaw and other structures in a stable
position to prevent opening of the mouth. Thin shells are placed over the teeth
and a device is incorporated that will pull the lower jaw forward as necessary
to open the airway.
•Combination Therapy – There are devices that combine the effects of the tongue retainer and the
mandibular repositioning appliance.
Oral appliances have become a first-line therapy for the treatment of snoring
according to a recent article in
Sleepmatters, published by
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the National Sleep Foundation, and have been found to be typically more
effective for people with mild sleep apnea and for non-obese people but can,
for some, be effective for moderate and severe sleep apnea. The goal is to find
the most comfortable and effective position for the patient.
Each oral device is custom made to fit each patient and can cost
anywhere from $1,400 to $2,500. It is often covered by insurance. The device can cause some minor jaw discomfort in the beginning, but that usually goes away over time and with regular jaw exercises. Most patients report complete satisfaction.
Now, Tony Benson uses an oral appliance at night. He likens it to “having two sports guards in my mouth, one on the upper and one on the lower
teeth.
” He connects the two using a metal hook. A key turns the jaw into position to
hold the airway open.
“It’s the most wonderful thing I’ve ever had happen because it’s opened up my air passage, and I can sleep on my side or my back,” says Tony. Linda says she gets to sleep all night, and so does Tony. It’s also lowered his blood pressure, yet another reason for the Bensons to rest
easier.
Your dentist may request that you have a sleep study evaluation and be seen by a
medical physician who specializes in sleep disorders.
Dr. Davis urges, “Just don’t make the mistake of thinking your snoring is harmless. Years of snoring can
cause multiple health problems.
”
So, the next time you visit your dentist, be sure to mention that you snore.
Your body will thank you and so will your spouse!
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