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Devices To Help With Sleep Apnea

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A condition which is becoming more frequent for Americans is sleep apnea that refers to the frequent interruptions in breathing that be experienced during the night. The most prevalent type of the disorder can be described as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which can be caused due to a obstruction to the airway. One option for treatment is to utilize oral devices. Learn more about two types of devices, their work, and the advantages and disadvantages of making use of them.

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD)

The MAD is like an athletic mouthpiece, in the sense that it is affixed to the lower and upper teeth. It works by moving your lower jaw as well as tongue only enough to stop the muscles in the throat from collapsing, keeping breathing open.
Tongue Retaining Mouthpieces

It is important to note that the MAD device and tongue-restraining mouthpiece are alike in appearance. The main difference is that the former has small pockets that are placed inside the tongue. It relies on suction to hold its forward-facing position.

Due to its distinctive features due to its unique features, the tongue retaining jawpiece is often a choice to treat patients who aren’t able to have their jaws sufficiently moved.
The pros and cons of Oral Appliances

The oral appliance offers greater convenience than the traditional method of treating sleep apnea by using the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device There are benefits and disadvantages to using this approach.

The Pros

Here are the benefits of using dental appliances:

One of the most frequent complaints reported by patients who are treated with an CPAP machine is experiencing an itchy nose whenever they wake. Patients who have an appliance for oral use that is customized do not experience this problem.
Since there aren’t any wires or cords to be attached making it easier to wear an oral device.
The compact design makes it easy to carry.

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Cons

These are some of the drawbacks of making use of these kinds of devices to treat apnea

Patients may experience bouts or jaw pain soreness , or stiffness.
The jaw’s shift can also lead to tooth and gum discomfort.
Patients might experience an increase in saliva production or dry mouth.
The jaw’s position could be permanently changed permanently.
The final issue is that a reconstruction (crown or bridge) could be left untied and unstable.

If you think you have a sleep breathing disorder, it is advisable to contact your doctor to arrange the sleep test. In the event that you’re found to have sleep apnea your dentist at the local clinic can aid you in getting the sleep your body requires.