Oral Appliances Another Sleep Apnea Treatment Option

By Samuel Pollina, DMD

Annapolis Snoring and Sleep Apnea Center

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Oral Appliances Another Sleep Apnea Treatment Option

Obstructive sleep apnea affects millions of people in the United States. It not only affects the person with sleep apnea, but it affects their bed partner and family. The consequences of untreated sleep apnea can be serious, including increased risk of stroke and heart attack.

For people with obstructive sleep apnea, the problem is pretty straight forward the tongue and soft tissues in the throat collapse during sleep and block the airway. The treatment is usually straight forward as well; do something to keep the airway open while sleeping.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

The treatment of choice for most people with obstructive sleep apnea is Positive Airway Pressure (PAP). PAP therapy comes in several different forms (CPAP, BiPAP, Auto-sel, etc.) and has many different types of masks and interfaces. Significant advances have been made, and continue to be made, which make PAP therapy easier and more comfortable to use.

However, even with all the options and advances, some people are still unable to tolerate PAP. Sometimes they have claustrophobic issues, or can't find a mask that works for them, or feel the air dried them out too much or their bed partner complains. Whatever the reason, some people give up PAP therapy, but their sleep apnea doesn't just go away.

Oral appliances, fit by qualified dentists, are an alternative treatment for many patients who can't use or don't want to use PAP therapy. Oral appliances come in many different designs. Most are custom made although there are non-custom options. A trained dentist will be familiar with several different appliances and will work with the patient to choose the appliance most likely to be effective and comfortable for them.

Like PAP therapy, oral appliances work by helping to keep the airway open during sleep. Unlike PAP therapy, oral appliances do not require machines or masks. This makes oral appliances an attractive option for patients who frequently go camping or travel a lot.