The most common treatment for sleep apnea and snoring utilizes continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) devices. Unfortunately, this treatment option is often found to be intolerably uncomfortable for many users.
Treatment can also be accomplished with surgery to the soft palate, tongue and even facial bones. These invasive techniques are primarily used in severe cases when no other options are viable.
request an appointmentRecent advancements in sleep technology have led to viable and non-invasive alternative treatment options. Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a conservative approach to treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. The custom made dental appliance, worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth guards, is made to wear during sleep; it gently moves the lower jaw forward, causing a positive change in tongue position, which permits the airway to remain open, reducing and even eliminating apneic events.
Oral appliance therapy is non-invasive, reversible and easily accepted by patients and offer relief for people that are CPAP intolerant and prefer non-surgical treatment options. A dentist who is specially trained in dental sleep medicine can provide oral appliance therapy for the treatment of snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea.
What would you prefer?
Though effective in treating sleep apnea, patients find CPAP machines to be cumbersome and uncomfortable.
Widely accepted as the treatment of choice for snoring as well as mild or moderate sleep apnea or for those with severe sleep apnea that cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear.