Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring with Oral Appliances
by Dr. Nicholas R. Miller
Oral appliances, recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, are devices that fit in your mouth to move your bottom jaw forward and keep your airway open.
Another common treatment option for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP machine. A tube with a mask attaches to your face and blows air down your throat to keep your airway open.
Your dentist can play a role in treating your sleep apnea or snoring. There are many advantages of oral appliances including:
- Fits on your top and bottom teeth like a sports mouth guard and does not attach to your face.
- Do not produce the sound that a CPAP makes to blow air down your throat.
- Are easily transported compared to a CPAP that is bulky and requires electricity.
- Can be used to reduce or stop snoring even if you don’t have sleep apnea.
- Does not limit certain sleep positions at night and allows you to talk and drink.
Ultimately, the best treatment option is the one that you are able to use. If you have tried a CPAP but can’t tolerate it, call today for a consultation to learn more about oral devices with Dr. Nicholas Miller.
As a prosthodontist, Dr. Miller is well equipped to provide oral appliance therapy for OSA and snoring. He has taken advanced training in oral appliance therapy and has provided many patients with this treatment.