Sleep apnea is the temporary stoppage of breathing during sleep, often resulting in daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea where the muscles of the soft palate near the bottom of the tongue and the uvula relax, blocking the airway. The airway blockage leads to the level of oxygen in the blood to decrease, increasing stress on the heart, raising blood pressure, and preventing the patient from entering Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is the restful and restorative stage of sleep. Therefore, sleep apnea causes deprivation of quality sleep.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in 2005 discovered that sleep apnea dental devices were an effective alternative to Continues Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and they recommended the used of these dental devices as a first line of treatment in mild sleep apnea.
This type of sleep apnea appliance are like the models often employed as mouth guards. These units mostly acrylic and have to be measured by an orthodontist. The main goal of them is to keep your airway clear to permit oxygen into your lungs while you are asleep.
There are a couple of main varieties of dental devices which may be used when one is struggling with sleep apnea. These are the Mandibular Repositioning Device and the Tongue Retaining Device. Mandibular repositioning device functions through moving the lower jaw. The unit resembles an athletic mouth guard and pushes the lower jaw forward and slightly downwards. The additional space created works to ensure that the individual’s air passage remains open and clear. On the other hand, the Tongue Retaining Device is basically a contraption designed to hold and prevent the tongue from collapsing and blocking the airway while the patient sleeps.
Dental devices are used to improve your sleeping habit. Though sleep apnea does not kill you outright, it will surely disturb your sleeping pattern. You may feel tired, gain weight, not to mention the snoring and nasal discomfort. These simple dental devices help to combat all the this without the idea of surgery or the complicated Continues Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices.
There are several things to consider in a good sleep apnea dental device, or even a sleep apnea chin strap, for that matter. First of all depending on its complexity and the materials used, the price can range from $50 to $2,000. Though price can influence one’s choice, it is good to remember that the cheaper the materials, the less comfortable the sleep apnea appliance. Then comfort, is the most important feature to be looked for in a sleep apnea dental appliance. If you have a device custom-made for you, then you are sure quality materials will help guarantee a good night’s rest.
One more thing is the mobility of the device. Products that you purchase over the counter have only one size and they will not fit all.
Aside from the benefits the dental devices delivers to most patients, there are still several side effects while using the device particularly during the early stage of using it. Disadvantages like building up of saliva, nausea, and soreness in the mouth. But these issues were are now being properly taken care of. One particular concern while using this device is permanent jaw displacement, but is now manageable through proper fitting by a good orthodontist so the problem is less likely to occur.
