Oral appliances are one of the best solutions for mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea. And for severe obstructive sleep apnea patients who cannot tolerate CPAP machines. It can do wonders for people with sleep apnea. These devices look a bit like a mouthguard and are far more comfortable than wearing a mask. They are portable, and you can take them with you while traveling, and you can talk and drink water while wearing one. And, of course, they don’t involve surgery.
Before diving into how oral appliances work, let’s have a recap on what sleep apnea is, and how this condition affects your sleep and health.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person stops breathing periodically throughout the night due to physical obstructions of the airway. These stops in breathing usually last for around ten seconds and are often followed by snorts, gasps, or choking sounds as a person’s body fights to resume breathing again.
When you sleep, your body muscles relax so they can begin to repair themselves to keep you healthy and active every day. However, the muscles in your mouth and throat relax during sleep. For some people, these muscles, along with soft fatty tissues, relax to the point where they fall back into the upper airway and block the flow of oxygen from coming in.
When you stop breathing during the night, your brain responds by partially waking to send signals to the respiratory system to work harder to get past the obstruction. This condition is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
How do they work?
Oral appliances push your lower jaw downward and forward. Your airway will open up more, and there will be less of a risk that it will vibrate or obstruct. The oral appliance will work best if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea.
By only wearing an oral appliance, your lower jaw (mandible) will be moved downward and forward into a comfortable position, ensuring the base of your tongue does not collapse and block your airway, giving you a safe and soundless sleep. Most patients and practitioners prefer oral appliance therapy for its comfort, convenience, and effectiveness.
How do I know it is safe?
A growing number of men and women have discovered oral appliances are safe and effective for their problem of sleep apnea. This device is approved by the American FDA as an ideal alternative treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Sleep Medicine also promotes the use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing.
How can I get one?
Expert doctors of The Healthy Sleep can direct you through the right path. They will work out how bad your sleep apnea is and what can be done about it. After diagnosing your problem, they will suggest the appropriate solution for your problem. If you decide on an oral appliance, The Healthy sleep will provide you with the right device.
Sometimes, people tend to depend on the harmful, cheap gadgets available online and in the local shops. It is imperative to realize that only an expert practitioner can provide the exact therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Depending on the unprofessional and cheap gadgets can put your life at risk.
Blog Reviewed By:Dr. Krishnan A. Subramanian
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