Are All Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances the Same? Your Dentist Weighs in

Have you been feeling tired and lethargic throughout the day? Have you been told that you snore loudly at night? If either of these scenarios apply to you, then you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and could benefit from one of several options for sleep apnea oral appliances. You may be wondering, though, “Aren’t all removable fixtures the same?” Your dentist will answer that question and more as you read on!

What is OSA?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that arises from the collapse of the muscles in your throat that keep your airways open while sleeping. The result is that you’re only able to get a limited amount of oxygen, and you will stop breathing in brief cycles throughout night. Here are some of the problems that the repetitive interruptions of your sleep cause:

• Fatigue – You may suffer from extreme fatigue throughout the day, even though you slept for sufficient amount of time.
• Depression – Your body functions on an internal clock, and for it to run properly, that clock has to be adhered to. One of the factors that affects your equilibrium is rest – especially within your hormones. Thus, if you’re not getting the amount of quality sleep you need, your hormone levels could fluctuate, leading to depression.
• Headaches – All of your major organs need a steady oxygen supply to remain healthy. Thus, when a limited amount gets to your brain throughout the night, you may notice headaches the next morning.
• Inability to Focus – When you haven’t had proper rest, you may find it harder to concentrate. Be watchful of trends that develop, especially, if you’re normally a person who is able to laser your attention in one area. A decrease in your ability to do that could be a warning sign of sleep apnea.

Thankfully, there are ways to treat this problem.

Treating Sleep Apnea

One of the most convenient and comfortable forms of sleep apnea treatment is with an oral appliance. It allows you to take it anywhere you go, easily, and affords you a quiet, peaceful and safe night’s rest.

Take note that not all oral appliances are the same, and they must be made to fit your particular needs. Here are some of the different options and how they function:

• Dorsal Appliance – The most popular type or oral appliance, the Dorsal model allows for such movements as yawning and talking while maintaining the jaw support that you need.
• Herbst Appliance – This version can be used to address both OSA and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which involves the inflammation of the joint that opens and closes your mouth.
• Moses Appliance – The Moses appliance comes in a two-part design that creates more space in the mouth so that the tongue isn’t crowded. It also helps to reduce teeth grinding.
• dreamTap – The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) appliance provides more room for patients who may have larger tongues and need more space in the mouth for oxygen to pass through.

How to Choose the Right Device?

The best way to choose the right device is to work with a dentist who can deliver effective sleep apnea treatment. He or she will be able to properly measure your mouth and determine what is the right unit for your specific needs.

To get the help you need to experience a good night’s rest, reach out to your dentist today to schedule an appointment.

About the Author

A graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Deborah A. Romack has nearly two decades of experience practicing dentistry. Still, she takes pride in staying abreast of the latest advancements in sleep dentistry and TMJ. If you’re in need of a better night’s sleep, you can find Dr. Romack at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine and can learn more about her services through her website.