Are you waking up tired and tense even after 7-8 hours of sleep? You could be suffering from Sleep Apnea. Keep reading to learn how Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills can help you overcome your Sleep Apnea. With advancements in medical technology, oral appliances for Sleep Apnea have become common in Orthodontics. These devices improve breathing and eventually help with snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
What are Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea?
Dental appliances push or pull your lower jaw forward to keep your tongue in a place that does not obstruct your airway. Most people use these appliances at night to hold the tongue in place, which may otherwise restrict breathing. They may also help with jaw alignment to help your tongue rest properly.
Benefits of Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
- Reduces snoring volume and frequency
- Helps prevent breathing obstruction while sleeping
- Easy to use and comfortable
- Customized for your jaw
- Stress-free care and maintenance
- Above all, it’s non-invasive (no surgery)
Types of Dental Appliances for Sleep Apnea
The most common types of mouth appliances for Sleep Apnea include Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD), Tongue-Stabilizing Devices (TSD), and Mouth Guard (aka Night Guard).
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Mandibular Advancement Devices connect to the upper and lower teeth to push your lower jaw forward. They decrease your breathing lapses and reduce snoring frequency. Your dentist might give you a standard Mandibular Advancement Device or customize it according to your needs.
Tongue Stabilizing Devices
Tongue stabilizing devices are also used in Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) for Sleep Apnea as they retain your tongue so it does not interfere with breathing. The tip of the tongue sits in a plastic cavity that keeps the tongue out of your mouth. These devices are one-size-fits-all, but you can get them personalized.
Mouth Guard (aka Night Guard)
Mouth guard or night guard also helps reposition your lower jaw to improve breathing. A mouth guard is made of flexible plastic that you bite on to mold it to your teeth. It is among the most widely used oral appliances in adults and children for Sleep Apnea and teeth grinding. At Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills, we have helped many patients sleep better and sound with mouth guards. We always try this more affordable solution before trying other treatments. Did you know that most insurance plans cover the cost of mouth guard? At Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills, we can check whether your insurance covers the cost or not.
Does Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea Hurt?
If you have been avoiding a dental appliance believing it may be uncomfortable or costly, we have good news for you. Using a mouth appliance for Sleep Apnea can cause discomfort initially, but it does not feel uncomfortable. You might feel more saliva in your mouth, but the symptoms gradually settle. Moreover, the cost of treatment is affordable. The benefits exceed the cost of device.
However, remember that you must consult a dentist to find out the right oral appliances for your needs. If you are looking for the best dentist in Agoura Hills, check our reviews. Contact us at (818) 991-5004 or book your appointment online for consultation with our experienced dentist to determine the most suitable oral appliance for you.