Getting an Oral Appliance For Your Sleep Apnea

By Samuel Pollina, DMD

Annapolis Snoring and Sleep Apnea Center

. http://annapolisapneasolutions.archivereallife.com/Page/Home

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Getting an Oral Appliance For Your Sleep Apnea

If you have given up on your CPAP or have chosen not to use it at all, an oral appliance may be right for you. Let's walk you through the process getting the appliance.

During your initial appointment with the dentist, you will have a full mouth and airway examination to make sure that your teeth and bone around your teeth can support an oral appliance (a sleep study is required or one will be scheduled through the office). Your dentist will then check to make sure you don't have an underlying jaw problem or periodontal disease. If you are a good candidate for an oral appliance, the dentist will then review how the appliance will work best for you and explain the pros and cons and discuss how to avoid problems.

The dentist will scan your mouth for an exact impression of your teeth and bite in order to have the appliance made specifically for you. The scan will then be sent to a dental lab where your appliance will be custom made. A few weeks later, you will return to the office to have the appliance fit. Even though the appliance is custom made, there is usually some adjustment that needs to be made to make it as comfortable and effective as possible.

Most people will take a week or two to get used to wearing something in their mouth while sleeping. After a few weeks, a follow up visit is necessary to assess progress and make adjustments if necessary. Once the appliance is comfortable and working (you will have less snoring and feel more rested), the dentist may recommend a repeat sleep study in the future. This type of objective testing is important to ensure the appliance is effectively working.

Once the dentist and your physician know that the appliance is working well for you, long term follow up care is usually suggested so that minor adjustments can still be made.