What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. During sleep, our bodies repair and regenerate tissues, build bone and muscle, and strengthen our immune systems. However, for millions of people around the world, getting a good night's sleep is a constant struggle due to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Fortunately, oral appliance therapy (OAT) offers a non-invasive and effective solution to these problems.

Oral appliance therapy is a treatment for snoring and OSA that involves wearing a custom-fabricated oral appliance while sleeping. The appliance is designed to reposition the lower jaw forward, which helps to widen the airway and prevent blockages during sleep.

The oral appliance is typically worn over the upper teeth, with the lower jaw attached to it. This repositions the mandible (lower jawbone) forward, which helps to increase the diameter of the airway and prevent the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway.

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?

Oral appliance therapy works by using the natural forces of the mouth and jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. The custom-fabricated appliance is designed to fit comfortably over the upper teeth, with the lower jaw attached to it. This repositions the mandible forward, which helps to increase the diameter of the airway and prevent blockages.

The appliance also helps to stabilize the tongue, preventing it from falling back and blocking the airway. Additionally, the appliance can help to reduce snoring by keeping the soft palate and uvula (the soft tissue at the back of the throat) from vibrating and causing noise.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy offers several benefits over traditional treatments for snoring and OSA. For example:

• Non-invasive: Unlike surgery or CPAP machines, oral appliances are non-invasive and do not require any surgical procedures.
• Portable: Oral appliances are portable and easy to use, making them ideal for people who travel frequently or have busy lifestyles.
• Comfortable: Custom-fabricated oral appliances are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear, reducing the risk of discomfort or difficulty breathing.

Who is a Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate OSA. It is also an effective treatment option for people who have failed to respond to other treatments, such as CPAP machines or surgery.

However, oral appliance therapy may not be suitable for everyone. For example:

• Individuals with severe OSA may require more aggressive treatment options, such as surgery or CPAP machines.
• People with certain medical conditions, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, may need to avoid using an oral appliance.

Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment option for snoring and OSA. By repositioning the lower jaw forward, it helps to widen the airway and prevent blockages during sleep. With its portability, comfort, and effectiveness, oral appliance therapy is an attractive option for individuals who are looking for a convenient and comfortable solution to their sleep-related breathing disorders.