Different Types Of Oral Appliances Used To Treat Sleep Apnea

When a person is diagnosed with sleep apnea, this often means they will need to start wearing a mask connected to a CPAP machine while sleeping. This machine will help ensure they do not stop breathing while sleeping. However, in recent years oral appliances have been developed that help treat sleep apnea without the need to be connected to a machine. These appliances are kept in the mouth while sleeping, much like some teeth-straightening devices. These are some of the different types of oral appliances that are now being used to treat sleep apnea. 

Mandibular Repositioning Appliances

Sleep apnea often occurs due to the person's soft tissue inside the mouth and throat collapsing and blocking the airway. Mandibular repositioning appliances move the jaw forward so that this is prevented. By keeping the soft tissue away from the airway, the person should continue breathing properly while sleeping.

Tongue Retaining Appliances

Another thing that can trigger sleep apnea is when a sleeping person's tongue relaxes and moves back into the airway. Tongue retaining appliances prevent this from happening by holding the tongue in a safe position so that it cannot move into the airway. 

Hybrid Appliances

These devices prevent a sleeping person's breathing from stopping by both moving the jaw forward and holding the tongue in place. This type of sleep apnea treatment is often prescribed for those who have more frequent times of stopping and restarting their breathing while they sleep. With the ability to move the jaw and hold the tongue in place, the likelihood of the airway becoming blocked during sleep is nearly impossible.

To determine which appliance is best for each patient, testing must be completed. First, a test will be given to diagnose the patient with sleep apnea and to find out how severe the condition is. Then, the physician will need to make note of exactly what happens to cause the patient to stop and then restart breathing. If it is due to the airway being blocked, one of these devices may resolve the problem easily. However, the patient will need to be measured and sized to ensure they have a properly fitting device. Each of the oral appliances that are used to treat sleep apnea is customized for each patient. Oral appliances are becoming a preference among many sleep apnea patients because they are small and discreet. There is also no loud noise while sleeping which often accompanies the use of a CPAP machine.

For more information about sleep apnea oral appliances, reach out to a professional.