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Examples of Oral Devices
People that snore often do nothing to stop snoring. People with sleep apnea frequently use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to force air down the air passages. Sleep apnea sufferers put a mask on their face. The mask is connected to a tube, which is connected to the CPAP machine. When the machine is turned on, it opens the airways.
However, people who use CPAP machines find them to be cumbersome, inconvenient, noisy, and hard to travel with. As a result, they don't use them. This puts their long-term health at risk.
Drowsy1 dentists use oral appliances to treat patients. Oral appliances recently have been cited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as an effective alternative to CPAP machines for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and sometimes for people with severe sleep apnea.
An oral appliance is a small, lightweight device that fits over the upper and lower teeth or tongue (similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard). This device slightly advances the lower jaw or tongue, which moves the base of the tongue forward and increases the airway opening. This improves breathing and reduces snoring and sleep apnea. The appliance is individually customized for each patient by a dentist experienced in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. The appliances are comfortable and well-tolerated by most patients. They are easy to place and remove. Cleaning the device is easy and they are most convenient for travel.
Patients will have several appointments with the Drowsy1 dentist. On the initial visit, patients with sleep apnea must come with a physician's order for treatment. Patients who snore but have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea must bring test results showing they do not have sleep apnea.
On the first visit, the dentist will examine the patient to ensure an oral appliance is appropriate. Then the dentist will take an impression and bite registration. These are used to manufacture a custom-made appliance.
On the second visit, the dentist will fit the appliance, perhaps making some minor adjustments. The dentist then will show the patient how to insert and remove the appliance, as well as how to clean and care for it.
On subsequent visits, the dentist will reevaluate the patient's sleep patterns, ensuring they are sleeping comfortably with the appliance.
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