Is an Oral Appliance as effective as CPAP Therapy for Sleep Apnea?
- Posted on: Mar 15 2017
Oral appliances can be very effective in the treatment of sleep apnea in the right candidate. Many people with sleep apnea have a large tongue base and a limited space in the back of the throat for that tongue base. At night, the tongue base falls back into the airway producing obstruction and apnea. This is something that can be identified on a specialized exam in our office. The tongue is actually attached to the inside of the front of the jaw bone (chin). An oral appliance is a small retainer that holds the jaw and associated tongue forward at night while the patient sleeps. This prevents the obstruction and the apnea. It also reduces or eliminates the snoring. Oral appliances are also better tolerated than CPAP (Continous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. Frequently the oral appliance is one component of the cure for the snoring and sleep apnea as nasal issues are also usually present. The oral appliance alone may not provide a cure.
The oral appliances purchased over the internet are typically uncomfortable and produce problems with the dentition and jaw joint. If an oral appliance is needed it should be well fitted by an expert. At Sinus and Snoring Specialists we work closely with specialized dentists that make and fit oral appliances for our patients.
If you have tried an internet oral appliance for snoring or sleep apnea without complete success come see us at Sinus and Snoring Specialists for a complete answer for your issue.
Daniel Slaughter, MD
Tagged with: Oral Appliance, Sleep apnea, Snoring
Posted in: Sleep Apnea, Snoring
