Oral Appliance Therapy - A Comparison Of Appliance
Treatment Options
From positive airway pressure machines to neuro-stimulation therapy, there are various sleep apnoea treatments available to treat moderate to severe sleep apnoea. Treatment options will vary in effectiveness depending on the individual. For example, some report improvements in their sleep apnoea after cutting out alcohol.
Since most people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea are overweight or obese, these patients may see an improvement after losing weight. While weight loss or surgery may be effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea, other ways of treating sleep apnoea are non-invasive and more convenient.
Oral appliance therapy is an effective option for those seeking snoring or sleep apnoea treatments. Oral appliances are worn while you sleep and help support your jaw in a position to keep your airway open. With over 100 different oral appliance options that can effectively treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, oral appliances are becoming a more popular sleep apnoea treatment.
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy
There are various ways to treat sleep apnoea, and each treatment comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Oral appliance therapy is an ideal treatment for those looking for a non-invasive yet effective way to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Advantages of oral appliance therapy include:
- Comfortable
- Easy to wear.
- Portable and convenient for travel
- Quiet and requires minimal maintenance
Adjusting to Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy can improve your overall quality of life by helping you sleep better and have more energy throughout the day. If you have custom-made oral appliances, you’ll be able to work with your dentist to adjust and maintain your jaw position along the way. Your dentist will continuously monitor your progress and prescribe a schedule to ensure you see continual improvements in your symptoms.
Your dentist will inform you of all the details prior to beginning your oral appliance therapy.
Custom Made Oral Appliances vs. Boil and Bites (Over-the-Counter Devices)
Custom-made oral appliances are one of the most effective ways to treat sleep apnoea, as they are tailored to the individual using them. These appliances are also adjustable, which can help keep the airway open during the treatment.
However, not all oral appliances are suitable and effective when it comes to treating snoring and sleep apnoea. Over-the-counter appliances are not as customised as custom-made oral appliances, causing these devices to be ineffective.
Because over-the-counter appliances are not fitted properly to the individual, the use of these appliances may actually lead to more issues like jaw problems, ultimately worsening sleep apnoea. Boil and bit devices typically have no way to adjust to the individual and are sold as a one size fits all.
Mandibular Advancement Splint
A mandibular advancement splint is the most common device when it comes to oral appliance therapy. These devices are non-surgical and fit as a mouthguard while you’re sleeping. Mandibular advancement splints are both TGA and FDA-approved, as well as clinically proven and effective for eliminating snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Mandibular advancement splints are incredibly convenient and can be adjusted over time, removing the need to replace your device regularly. These devices are designed to fit the shape of your mouth, so they’re meant to be completely comfortable while you sleep. These oral appliances are also portable and can easily be brought on travels.
Our team at Dental Sleep Professionals provides mandibular advancement splints as an effective and comfortable treatment for snoring and sleep apnoea. We utilise state-of-the-art technology and results-based treatments to assess your needs and provide a treatment designed for optimal results.
Choose the Right Oral Appliance for You
At Dental Sleep Professionals, we have decades of experience in the industry helping those that suffer from snoring or sleep apnoea. Using safe, non-invasive, and clinically proven treatments, we help patients transform their quality of sleep and improve their overall health and well-being. Our team consists of highly specialised professionals, including sleep physicians, respiratory physicians, and psychologists, to provide the best and most comprehensive snoring and sleep apnoea solutions.
If you’re looking to treat your snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea through a painless and highly effective method, contact our team at Dental Sleep Professionals at 1300 076 673 .