Sleep Appliances

How do sleep appliances treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is considered the gold standard of OSA treatment. It uses an electric pump and a face mask to make it easier to breathe while sleeping. But it doesn’t work for everyone. Even when it does, many people find that wearing a mask overnight is uncomfortable.

Custom sleep appliances also help open your airways, making breathing easier. The difference is that sleep appliances look like sports mouthguards. They fit snugly over your lower teeth and push your jaw slightly forward. That prevents the soft tissues at the back of your throat from interfering with your breathing.

Who can benefit from treatment with sleep appliances?

Consider using a custom sleep appliance if you live in the Newnan area and have any of the following symptoms:

• Snoring
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Restlessness during sleep
• Waking in the night with the sensation of gasping or choking
• Dry mouth or sore throat when awakening
• Headaches

Dr. Cheney typically prescribes custom sleep appliances to people with mild and moderate sleep apnea. You might benefit from another treatment approach if you have severe symptoms.

What’s the process for getting a custom sleep appliance?

Only a medical doctor can diagnose sleep apnea. If your primary care physician confirms you have it, they refer you to Dr. Cheney.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Cheney completes an oral exam and takes digital X-rays to assess the size and structure of your airway. If he determines that you can benefit from a sleep appliance, he uses an intraoral scanner to take digital impressions of your mouth.

Dr. Cheney sends your digital impressions to a nearby dental lab that manufactures your custom sleep appliance. A week or two later, you return to Complete Dental Arts. 

Dr. Cheney has you try on your sleep appliance. Then, he makes adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. Dr. Cheney also provides instructions on wearing, cleaning, and caring for your sleep appliance.

Do sleep appliances present any risks?

Treatment of OSA with custom sleep appliances is safe and typically well-tolerated, but it can present risks, including:

• Bite changes
• Tooth, jaw, and gum pain
• Loose teeth
• Excessive drooling
• Dry mouth

It’s normal to have mild symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment while your mouth adjusts. But if these issues continue or worsen, contact Dr. Cheney immediately. He can make necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit.

Call Complete Dental Arts to explore the benefits of oral sleep appliances, or book your appointment online today.