Receiving a diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnea can mark a big change in your life. Now, armed with this information, you can find solutions that fix the root cause of your poor sleep.
You’ve likely heard of CPAP and may be under the impression it’s the only way to treat OSA. However, Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a comfortable and customized way to treat your obstructive sleep apnea.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
While CPAP is the most common therapy for sleep apnea, an alternative option for many people is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). An oral appliance is a custom device that looks like a retainer or athletic mouthguard and works by holding your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. This small advancement of the jaw helps keep your upper airway open while you sleep. A dentist with advanced training in snoring and sleep apnea provides this treatment.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Here are some of benefits to consider when deciding if OAT is right for you:
1. Customized for You
An oral appliance is made specifically for your mouth. It is comfortable, easy to put in and easy to take out.
2. Low Maintenance
An oral appliance can be cleaned with just a toothbrush and mild soap solution in the same amount of time it takes to brush your teeth.
3. Portable
Since your device is small enough to fit in your mouth, it’s small enough to easily pack away into a travel bag or purse. Your appliance can go wherever you do.
4. Mask-free
Your appliance sits comfortably and securely in your mouth and has no hoses, snaps or straps to adjust.
5. No Parts to Replace
Once your custom mouthpiece is made, it can last up to 5 years just the way it is.
Who Should Consider Oral Appliance Therapy
Certain types of patients may find Oral Appliance Therapy to a particularly beneficial treatment, including:
- Patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Frequent travelers
- Patients who have difficulty with CPAP therapy
Your GEM SLEEP provider will include Oral Appliance Therapy in your list of treatment options if they determine it may be a good fit for your clinical situation.
Final Considerations for Oral Appliance Therapy
For many people, Oral Appliance Therapy is a great solution to sleep apnea and snoring. Over time, wearing your OAT device at night will become just another thing you do to get ready for bed. And the quiet, more restful sleep you get each night will be something you’ll notice immediately when you see how much better you feel during the day.
Today’s the day to change your life.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only. Sleep apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep test must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM SLEEP is focused on treatment and support of sleep apnea, not other sleep conditions.
Written by:
Dr. Jon Parker
Chief Dental Officer
Disclaimer: If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, sleep apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep test. A sleep test must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in sleep medicine.GEM SLEEP is focused on treatment and support of obstructive sleep apnea, not other sleep conditions.
