Dental appliances for sleep apnea are a great alternative to standard CPAP machines. They have been used for decades in The Woodlands, Texas, and have proven their worth in many cases. However, research is ongoing on how they work compared to other treatments such as oral surgery or even simple dental procedures like scaling and root planing. If you’re having episodes of sleep apnea The Woodlands, see a dentist soon.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

There are two main types of sleep apnea, and each has different causes. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. This blockage prevents air from getting into the lungs, and as a result, oxygen levels in the blood drop. 

This triggers the brain to send out signals to wake up the body so it can breathe. Central sleep apnea is caused by problems in the brain that control breathing. The airway stays open, but the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing. 

As a result, people with central sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods during sleep. Central sleep apnea is often seen in people with heart failure or other problems that affect the brain’s ability to control the muscles that help us breathe.

Dental Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Dental appliances are devices that are worn in the mouth during sleep. They work by bringing the lower jaw and tongue forward, which prevents the airway from collapsing. Dental appliances are custom-made by dentists or orthodontists to offer the best support. Here are some of the critical devices:

• Mouth Guards

Mouthguards are devices that are worn in the mouth during sleep. They work by bringing the lower jaw and tongue forward, which prevents the airway from collapsing. Mouthguards are custom-made by dentists or orthodontists, and you need to wear them every night to be effective.

• Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

Dental appliances that are used for sleep apnea work by temporarily moving the jaw and tongue forward. It prevents the airway from collapsing and allows you to breathe easier during sleep. The dentist evaluates if you have a receding jaw structure. They may recommend a mandibular advancement device (MAD) if you do.

If you have gum disease, you need treatment to improve your overall health. Treatment may include scaling and root planing, which are procedures that remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line. If you have sleep apnea, treating your gum disease can help improve your symptoms.

• Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs)

TRDs are devices that hold the tongue in place so that it doesn’t fall back and block the airway. They have a strap that goes around the head, and they are held in place with suction. These devices help keep the airway open during sleep, which can help reduce the number of apnea episodes you experience.

The decision to try dental appliances for sleep apnea is an important one. While they may not be a cure-all, many people who have used them attest that the devices helped reduce their symptoms and made it easier to get quality rest at night.