Oral Appliance Intervention for Sleep Apnea

We screen all of our patients for sleep apnea, and we refer any at-risk patient to their physician.  Much of the time, a patient is able to work with their sleep physician to control and manage sleep apnea, often with a c-pap.  Other patients require surgical intervention.  For surgical patients, we collaborate closely with their orthodontist and surgeon to encourage a great outcome and a stable bite relationship following surgery.  But other patients simply cannot tolerate the c-pap and are unwilling or unable to consider surgery.  For these patients, we offer oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea.  

Our doctors and staff have undergone specific training with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and are knowledgeable about the various appliances used to manage apnea.  Most of these appliances position the lower jaw forward (these are called mandibular repositioning devices) and open the airway, allowing better breathing during sleep.  A patient’s unique airway challenges and dental and joint structure help to determine the ideal appliance design.  Unfortunately, for most patients, the oral appliance results in unwanted changes in the bite and joint position.  However, these changes generally pale in comparison to the risk of untreated apnea.  In the event of changes or symptoms associated with an oral appliance for sleep apnea, our team is trained to manage and treat symptoms and help our patients comply with appliance use.

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