Sleep Apnea Dental Device as Alternative Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Since Continuous Positive Appliance Pressure (CPAP) can be cost-prohibitive, many people look sleep apnea dental device as alternative treatments for sleep apnea. It is relatively simple to use and less cumbersome. But, you must stick in mind that this oral device only effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Types of Dental Device
Basically, dental devices are categorized by two categories which are the Mandibular Repositioning Device and the Tongue Retaining Device. From their names, you should already get the basic idea of how they work.
The first one puts the lower jaw in a protruded position to keep the airway open. Meanwhile the second type holds the tongue in a forward position, which stops the back of the tongue from collapsing during sleep. Both of them have been known to be successful in treating sleep apnea patients.
How Dental Device Help Sleep Apnea Patients?
When you’re awake, throat muscles help keep your airway stiff and open. That is why air can flow into your lungs. When you sleep, the muscles are more relaxed. This relaxation may relax too much in sleep apnea case, which narrows the airway significantly. The tongue may also collapse or fold back and cause the airway is closed and interrupting the normal flow of breathing. This is a serious condition since it may affect vital organs like brain and heart.
By using dental appliance, the movement of the tongue could be controlled. Also, it could reposition the lower jaw so the airways stay open. Sometimes, people use CPAP machine in conjunction with this mouth appliance.
Consult to your medical doctor and your dentist to evaluate your condition to know if a dental device suitable to you. Since not every dentist has experience in fitting this device, make sure to choose a dentist that specializes in sleep apnea. A poorly fitted device can cause additional problems. Continue to see the dentist on a regular basis to monitor for any dental problem that may occur.
Tags : sleep apnea dental device, dental device for sleep apnea, sleep apnea dental appliance, sleep apnea mouth appliance, sleep apnea oral device, alternative treatments for sleep apnea
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