Sleep Apnea Appliances – Breathe Better, Sleep Deeper
Sleep apnea appliances can improve the health of five million Canadians affected by obstructive sleep apnea. Leaving this condition untreated increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
A good night’s sleep starts here—book your appointment at Auburn Bay Dental for a custom oral appliance.
What is Sleep Apnea?
A serious sleep condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type is OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), which occurs when something blocks part or all of your upper airway while you sleep.
Interruptions in breathing lower oxygen levels and cause the brain to briefly wake you up so you can resume normal breathing. Most people don’t remember these wake-ups, but they can lead to daytime sleepiness, irritability, high blood pressure, or heart disease in severe cases.
Common Symptoms
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air while sleeping
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
Non-Invasive Sleep Apnea Solutions for Better Sleep & Heart Health
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the best treatment. These are custom-made dental devices designed to treat OSA. CPAP is a machine that provides a steady stream of air through a mask you wear while sleeping. This machine prevents airway collapse that happens during sleep apnea.
The downside of CPAP machines is the noise they produce and the inconvenience of travelling with them. If these are concerns for you, alternative and effective oral appliances for sleep apnea are available at our clinic.
An oral appliance works by repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep your upper airway open while sleeping. Unlike CPAP machines, which use pressurized air to maintain airflow, these appliances offer a quieter, more comfortable alternative for many patients to reduce snoring and interrupted sleep.
Types of Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
- Also called mandibular advancement splints, which can gently move your lower jaw forward to prevent airway obstruction.
- These devices snap over your upper and lower teeth, and they are made of moulded hard plastic. They include adjustable metal hinges and screws to move your lower jaw forward.
- Resemble mouthguards are designed for comfort and ease of use.
Tongue Stabilizing Devices (TSDs):
- Also called Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs), which hold the tongue in a forward position to stop it from blocking the airway.
- TRDs offer a non-surgical treatment option for individuals with OSA.
Thornton Adjustable Positioner:
- This device allows for adjustments to find the optimal jaw position for keeping the airway open.
- It treats the disorder without surgery, a mask, or medication.
- A simple dental exam can determine if you’re a good candidate for this treatment.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Mandibular Advancement Device |
Moves lower jaw forward |
Moderate sleep apnea to severe OSA |
|
Tongue Retaining Device |
Holds tongue forward |
Patients intolerant to MADs |
|
Thornton Adjustable Positioner |
Customizable jaw positioning |
Tailored treatment options |
The Advantages of Using Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
These oral sleep apnea devices boast an impressive compliance rate of about 80%, compared to only 40% for CPAP machines.
Some of the benefits include:
- Convenience: Easy to use and transport.
- Comfort: Custom-fitted appliances guarantee a snug fit without discomfort.
- Discretion: Smaller and less intrusive than CPAP machines. Allow for a more discrete treatment option.
Effectiveness: A sleep study shows that many patients report improved snoring symptoms and sleep quality.
How Can We Help
Our dentists can often spot early signs during your routine exams. Once identified, we can recommend effective treatments. Our oral appliances work to help keep your airway open and reduce snoring. We can also provide guidance on lifestyle changes to improve sleeping quality. You have access to sleep specialists for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep With Comfortable and Effective Sleep Apnea Appliances
Snoring, disrupted sleep, and daytime fatigue can have a significant impact on your overall health. Sleep apnea can cause your quality of life to decline, as poor sleep affects your body’s ability to function properly. Sleep is essential for repairing the body and performing vital functions, such as clearing waste and releasing hormones. Don’t suffer any longer—book an appointment at our clinic today.
Book an appointment through our website or call 403-984-1151 for inquiries. Our general dentist will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and consider the diagnosis provided by the sleep specialist. Based on this information, our dentist will customize the most suitable oral appliance for your specific condition and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I determine if I need sleep apnea appliances?
When you experience any of the following, visit an expert to discuss your symptoms.
- Loud snoring (if you don’t have a partner to inform you, there are signs of snoring you can recognize)
- Frequent waking during the night
- Choking or gasping for air while sleeping
- Excessive daytime fatigue
Are oral appliances suitable for all types of sleep apnea or every patient?
A consultation is necessary because not everyone is a candidate for oral appliances. Patients who do not qualify to use oral appliances include:
- Individuals with central sleep apnea
- Children with breathing problems require different treatments than adults.
Who is at risk for OSA?
OSA in adults is commonly linked to being overweight, with smoking also raising the risk by causing inflammation near the airway. While both men and women can develop OSA, men are at a significantly higher risk than women.