Sleep Apnea Devices in Parker, CO | Parker Dental Implant and Specialty Center

SLEEP APNEA DEVICES

Oral appliances for sleep apnea work by pulling your jaw or tongue forward while you sleep, opening your airway. Your healthcare provider may recommend an oral appliance to treat obstructive sleep apnea if you can’t use a CPAP machine. Types include mandibular advancement devices and tongue-stabilizing devices.Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) pull your lower jaw forward, opening your airway.

WHAT ARE ORAL APPLIANCES FOR SLEEP APNEA?

Oral appliances for sleep apnea are dental devices, or mouthpieces, that you wear in your mouth to keep your airway open while you sleep. Healthcare providers use them to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, your upper airway is blocked partly or completely when you’re sleeping. The reduced airflow triggers your brain to wake you up just enough to keep breathing. The cycle of restricted airflow, waking and falling asleep again, continues throughout the night. These episodes stop you from sleeping soundly and prevent your vital organs from getting enough oxygen.

Untreated, OSA can lead to serious health conditions and is potentially fatal. Oral appliances, also called oral appliance therapy, treat OSA. They hold your mouth in a position that makes sure you get enough airflow. They help you breathe better and reduce how often OSA wakes you up.

TYPES OF ORAL APPLIANCES USED TO TREAT OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)

There are two main types of dental appliances for treating OSA: mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs).

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are the most common oral appliance for treating OSA. They’re also called mandibular advancement splints, mandibular advancement appliances or mandibular repositioning appliances.

MADs work by pulling your lower jaw (mandible) forward. Moving your jaw forward also pulls your tongue forward, creating more space for airflow in the back of your throat. MADs fit over your teeth. Most come in two parts, one for your top teeth and one for your bottom. Screws, hinges and adapted rubber bands connect the top and bottom, allowing you to pull the lower part of the device that controls your jaw forward. Others have independent interchangeable arches.

MADs vary in terms of:

Size.
The materials they’re made of (how firm or soft they are).
How the top and bottom pieces connect (in two-piece models).
How much your teeth touch when you close your mouth.
How far the device moves your jaw.

Tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs) are also called tongue-retaining devices. They treat OSA by pulling your tongue forward using suction. A suction bulb on the device holds your tongue in place while you sleep. The tip of a TSD stays outside of your mouth. Like MADs, TSDs open your airway by moving the base of your tongue forward.

TSDs aren’t as popular as MADs, but they may be an option for people with OSA who want to try an oral appliance but can’t use MADs. For example, people whose teeth aren’t strong enough to hold a MAD in place may use a TSD instead. These are also available over the counter.

Can a dental crown affect the sensitivity of my tooth?

It is common to experience slight sensitivity after getting a crown, especially to hot or cold temperatures. This usually subsides within a few days. Our team will make sure the fit is optimal, as a well-fitted crown helps minimize sensitivity. If discomfort persists, we can offer solutions to improve your comfort.
Will my dental crown look different from my natural teeth?

Our crowns are custom-made to match the shade, shape and translucency of your natural teeth, blending seamlessly with your smile. We prioritize both function and aesthetics, ensuring the crown complements your existing teeth.
What happens if my crown becomes loose or falls off?

If your dental crown loosens or falls out, it is essential to contact our office promptly. Our dentist will examine the crown and underlying tooth to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate fix. Re-cementing the crown or adjusting the fit can often resolve the issue.
Is anesthesia required when getting a dental crown?

Anesthesia is typically used during the initial procedure to ensure your comfort while the tooth is being prepared. In some cases, anesthesia may also be applied when placing the permanent crown. We prioritize patient comfort and will discuss anesthesia options with you beforehand.