Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head SC
Treating sleep apnea is easier than you might think. For decades, the standard way of managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involved using a CPAP machine calibrated to your breathing needs as it forces air into your lungs while you sleep. The problem, however, is that CPAP machines are noisy, which could disturb your partner’s sleep. They are cumbersome to take with you when traveling. And, users often report that the mask worn over their face is irritating. Plus, cleaning the unit is necessary to reduce mold and mildew. Thankfully, a Beaufort sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Chris Mohler, offers an alternative sleep apnea treatment known as oral appliance therapy.
What is oral appliance therapy?
Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a custom-made orthotic that fits inside your mouth while sleeping. It requires no wires, emits no noise, and is compact and convenient to take with you when staying the night away from home. This discreet oral orthotic works by slightly repositioning the lower jaw and gently forces the tongue in the proper position so that the airway remains open. Wearing an oral orthotic reduces snoring and increases airflow while sleeping.
Types of Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
There are various types of oral appliances used to manage mild to moderate sleep apnea. The best type for you will depend on your unique airway needs. A thorough airway assessment by Dr. Mohler, combined with findings from your official sleep study, can be used to design the most effective appliance for you.
These are the most common oral orthotics used to manage sleep apnea:
- Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
- Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS)
- Mandibular Repositioning Appliance (MRA)
- Tongue Retaining Devices (TRD)
Each of these devices works slightly differently, depending on your unique airway needs. While oral appliance therapy works well in some individuals, certain cases of OSA may require additional therapies or treatment to manage.
How is the appliance made?
Custom oral orthotics are designed and handcrafted by a trusted dental lab. We begin by taking digital impressions and other diagnostic data of your teeth and bite. These images and data are sent electronically to our dental lab and used as a guide to make your orthotic. We may also need to take traditional impressions using trays as well.
Can I order an orthotic online or buy one from the store?
We highly recommend wearing only a custom-made oral appliance to reduce snoring and manage sleep apnea, and here is why. If not designed properly or if you get an orthotic that does not fit well, it could cause sore teeth and jaw joints, which could aggravate or cause temporomandibular joint disorder. Additionally, it is essential to effectively manage your snoring or sleep apnea to reduce the associated health risks like heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. Individuals should not self-diagnose or treat their sleep apnea without first consulting with a sleep doctor and dentist that treats sleep apnea in Beaufort to ensure you receive the most effective and safe treatment for you. Unfortunately, store-bought sleep apnea appliances or anti-snoring devices are not designed for your unique needs, and you could end up doing more harm than good. Therefore, if you have sleep apnea, we encourage you to consult with a Bluffton sleep apnea dentist for a consultation.
Sleep Apnea Dentist in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head
Chris Mohler, DDS, has helped many patients manage their sleep apnea, reduce their snoring, and help them achieve more restful sleep. If you have sleep apnea or would like to explore alternatives to sleep apnea treatments, contact Chris Mohler, DDS, by calling (843) 522-1442 or complete a Contact Form.