Sleep Apnea/Oral Appliance Fabrication

A good night's sleep is invaluable to your overall health and wellness. //

Sleep Apnea/Oral Appliance Fabrication

A good night's sleep is invaluable to your overall health and wellness. //

Sleep Apnea/Oral Appliance Fabrication

Sleep Apnea/Oral Appliance Fabrication

A good night’s sleep is invaluable to your overall health and wellness. Obstructive sleep apnea is often undiagnosed and can be life-threatening. An oral appliance could be the solution you’re looking for.

It is estimated that 22 million adult Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80% of moderate and severe cases going undiagnosed. Aside from having a serious impact on a person’s sleep and overall whole-body wellness, if left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular problems. 

What is sleep apnea?

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea which is caused by a blockage of the airway usually by the tongue
  • Central Sleep Apnea which is caused by a signal failure between the brain and the muscles that cause you to breath
  • Complex Sleep Apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

When it comes to oral appliance fabrication as a treatment for sleep apnea, dentists are primarily treating those with obstructive sleep apnea or the obstructive part of their complex sleep apnea condition, however, for those with Central Sleep Apnea who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine, oral appliances are a non-invasive option. 

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Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when a person’s tongue and soft palate relax into the airway, stopping the person from breathing normally. When a person’s airway becomes blocked while they are asleep, their body will wake them up to restart their breathing. For people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, this process of awakening can happen many times per night. 

How sleep apnea can impact whole-body wellness 

Aside from causing serious interruptions to a person’s sleep, leading to memory loss, fatigue and a weakened immune system, sleep apnea can also contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and other long-term health risks. Sleep apnea impacts virtually every part of the body including the digestive system, increasing a person’s chance of having fatty liver disease, and worsening the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Closely linked to obesity and high blood pressure, sleep apnea can also increase the strain on a person’s heart leading to abnormal rhythms that may increase their chance of a stroke. All in all, what may seem like just a sleep condition can end up being detrimental to the whole body. It is important that people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea seek out effective treatments. 

Treating sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy 

For those who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, their condition can be treated and improved with the fabrication of oral appliances designed to keep their airways clear and open while they sleep. An oral appliance typically looks very similar to a retainer or mouthguard except that it is a custom piece created by a dentist for each unique sleep apnea patient. There are a number of different oral appliances available to help sleep apnea patients. Dr. Blum will recommend the best appliance for a patient depending on a number of factors including, the size of the patient’s mouth, whether they grind their teeth, how they bite, and the severity of their condition. 

Frequently asked questions

Do oral appliances help people who snore?

Snoring is not the same problem as sleep apnea, but it can be an indication of the condition. 85% of people who snore experience a quieter and more comfortable sleep as a result of using an oral appliance, though there are many other methods to try before resulting in oral appliance fabrication. 

Are oral appliances covered by insurance?

Sleep apnea is classed as a medical condition, which means that medical insurance will usually cover the diagnosis and treatment. If you wish to make a claim for the fabrication of your oral appliance, a referral from a physician is often needed. 

How long does oral appliance fabrication take?

From your first appointment to your first night wearing your appliance, you can typically expect to wait about 2-3 weeks for the fabrication of your oral appliance. Once fitted, your oral appliance should last for five years, though many do last longer. 

How do oral appliances differ from off-the-shelf guards?

You may have seen off-the-shelf boil and bite mouth guards in a local pharmacy or big box store, but these are not personalized to the same degree as an oral appliance. Oral appliances are carefully fitted to your soft palate and tongue and are designed to reposition your jaw, keeping your airways open while you sleep.

Make an appointment today 

Here at Rinaldi Dental Arts, we can help you to get a good night’s sleep by fabricating you a personalized oral appliance that will keep your airways free throughout the night. If you would like to find out more about the oral appliance fabrication process or to book an appointment to have one fitted, then please contact us today. We would be delighted to help.  

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RINALDI DENTAL ARTS
The Collection at Chevy Chase
5481 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 221
Chevy Chase, MD 20815