Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea Can Offer Patients Effective Protection

Written By Unknown on jeudi 11 juillet 2013 | 11:23

By Ines Brennan


Sleep apnea is a condition which is characterized by periods of respiration which is either very shallow or stopped altogether. Some people who suffer from this disorder use a CPAP machine(continuous positive airway pressure) to help control their breathing patterns, but not everyone prefers to do this. Dental appliances for sleep apnea are another alternative solution which are easy to use and effective for normalizing respiration during sleep.

Different types of appliances exist for this purpose which work in various ways but achieve the same results. There are some which keep the tongue in a forward position, while others reposition the lower jaw. It is easy to come by these appliances, as there are even online sites where they can be bought, however it is recommended to instead consult a dentist or orthodontist who provides this type of treatment. Patients will be fitted for custom-made appliances that offer more comfort and effectiveness.

At the dental office, plaster molds of the patient's upper and lower teeth will be cast. These will be used for designing a custom-fitted device which is made to fit the exact dimensions of the patient's mouth. By using a custom-made appliance, it should not only be more comfortable, but also more effective.

There are also other evaluations that need to be done in order to ensure that the device is made to proper fit. Another set of molds will be made and sent to a laboratory where the appliance will be created. When the patient returns he or she will receive the apparatus and the dentist will perform any adjustments that may be needed for fit and comfort.

An apnea control apparatus is usually worn in a way similar to how a retainer is worn. It is typical for it to be slightly awkward-feeling at first, but this sensation usually goes away in time. If the patient finds that there is stiffness of discomfort in the jaw however, in particular the temporomandibular joint, this needs to be brought to the dentist's attention as it may be necessary to consider another approach. If someone already has TMJ they should probably use a different approach.

During the course of the treatment period, the patient's lower jaw will gradually move forward more. This is usually most noticeable once about six months of treatment have passed. This is part of the process and it lends itself to the safety and effectiveness of the appliance.

The patient will also need to attend a sleep study session after several weeks of treatment. This is done to determine if the approach has successfully eliminated or reduced the occurrence of apnea. It is advisable to undergo this assessment in the same facility where the first diagnostic was carried out, in order to allow easier comparison of results.

Dental appliances for sleep apnea can be quite effective and are a good option for patients who do not wish to rely on a CPAP machine each night. It's always a good idea to consult a dental professional when seeking this kind of treatment, in order to get the most suitable device for the patient. In some cases, changes in treatment are needed for a better outcome.




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