Dental devices are a viable option if selected appropriately to treat patients who snore and possibly those with sleep apnea. These devices are made from medically approved materials. Dental sleep medicine specialists treat patients by taking dental impressions to create custom-made oral appliances. Patients can wear these devices, which fit over the upper and lower teeth while sleeping. The device can be adjusted by the dentist and the patient to slightly advance the lower jaw.
How Dental Devices Help Reduce Snoring/Sleep Apnea: Dental devices help prevent the tongue and throat tissues from collapsing and blocking the airway during sleep. This keeps the airway open and the muscles taut, facilitating easier breathing, reducing snoring, and improving sleep quality. These treatments are effective in patients who only snore or have mild to moderate sleep apnea, with an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of less than 29 events per hour, or in patients with severe sleep apnea who have not found success with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines.
Dental devices can be used in conjunction with other treatments to enhance effectiveness, such as with CPAP machines to lower air pressure for more comfortable use, or with surgeries to correct obstructions in different areas such as the nose, soft palate, or base of the tongue. They can also be combined with changes in sleep posture, throat exercises, and weight loss to improve outcomes quickly and effectively, and to treat bruxism (teeth grinding) that occurs with snoring and sleep apnea.
Before selecting a treatment method, it is important to consult with a sleep medicine specialist for proper assessment and diagnosis through a sleep test, to ensure the most suitable treatment plan.
Side Effects of Treatment: Not everyone experiences side effects, which are generally mild and improve as one gets used to the dental device. Short-term side effects may include slight discomfort or pain around certain teeth, temporary jaw and muscle soreness after removing the device, excessive saliva production, or dry mouth. These issues usually resolve after an adjustment period. Long-term side effects might involve slight changes in bite alignment, but these are not severe and can be prevented or corrected with regular follow-up visits.
Advantages of Dental Devices: Dental devices are custom-fitted to be comfortable and easy to use, portable for travel, and do not require electricity.
Types of Dental Devices:
- Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These are the most popular and can be adjusted to move the lower jaw forward or backward, enhancing comfort and fit. They are made from durable, flexible materials approved by health authorities and are custom-fitted to be comfortable and secure during sleep, allowing gradual adjustments to relieve jaw pain and maximize airway opening.
- Tongue Retaining Devices: These hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from blocking the airway, ideal for patients with few or no teeth.
Treatment Monitoring: Patients using dental devices must have regular follow-ups with their dentist to monitor treatment response. If snoring and sleep quality improve, a follow-up sleep test may be conducted with the device in place to assess changes in the apnea index and oxygen levels. Regular six-month check-ups with both the dentist and a physician are recommended to ensure proper device use and to maximize treatment benefits while addressing any complications or issues that may arise.
Care and Maintenance of Dental Devices: After each use, clean the device with soap and a soft toothbrush, rinse and dry it thoroughly, and store it in its case. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the device, and avoid toothpaste which can clog the device’s crevices. Regularly check the condition of the device, and bring it to all follow-up appointments for professional inspection.
