Do you suffer from sleep apnea, but aren’t satisfied with your CPAP machine? Whether you’re frustrated with cleaning the complicated tubing, embarrassed by the awkward mask, or just not a fan of the feeling of forced air, you’re not alone. Many patients struggle to comply with this treatment for all the reasons above and more. Thankfully, oral appliance therapy (OAT) offers a more comfortable, convenient alternative. If you’re ready to power down your CPAP machine for good and enjoy a more restful night with the help of an oral sleep appliance, here’s how to tell if you’d be a good candidate for treatment.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea uses a small, custom fit device that instead of relying on forced air to open the airway, manually positions it open. Oral appliances are custom fit to each patient’s mouth, so there’s no bulky excess material, no complicated machinery, and they can be easily cleaned just like an orthodontic retainer. They also don’t require electricity to use, so they’re more convenient for travel. Best of all, because they’re more comfortable, they’re more likely to be used as prescribed, providing the patient with better rest and helping to reduce the risk of a variety of dangerous side effects associated with sleep apnea.
Am I a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Frustration with CPAP is an excellent reason to want to try oral appliance therapy; however, please be aware that there are several criteria you must meet to qualify for oral appliance therapy. These include:
- You must have mild to moderate sleep apnea. For more severe cases, you will need to remain on CPAP.
- You are intolerant of CPAP therapy.
- If you snore, but do not have sleep apnea.
Who is NOT a good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Even if you meet the criteria above, there is still a chance that you may not qualify for oral appliance therapy, depending on several factors, such as:
- You do not have enough teeth to support an oral appliance.
- You have current periodontal issues or cavities that need to be treated.
- You suffer from a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) that restricts your jaw movement.
- You have less than a 6mm jaw protrusion.
- You have an extensive number of dental restorations that could become damaged by wearing a device.
- You have not been treated by a dentist within the last year.
- You have a central sleep apnea diagnosis.
- You are extremely or morbidly obese (you may qualify for combination therapy).
- You have an extremely sensitive gag reflex.
The good news is that in some cases, several of these factors can be corrected and you may eventually be able to qualify for treatment with OAT; however, please be aware that if they cannot, you could be advised to remain on CPAP therapy.
Next Steps
If you are ready to learn more about your qualifications for oral appliance therapy, your next step is a consultation with a sleep dentist. During this appointment, you’ll go over your medical history and sleep apnea diagnosis, as well as your oral health condition. If you are deemed a good candidate, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, and your new device will be customized at a dental lab and sent back for you to begin enjoying all the benefits of a good night’s sleep without the use of CPAP therapy!
Remember, oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a safe, effective, and convenient way to get a good night’s sleep with obstructive sleep apnea. If you are ready to put your CPAP machine to bed and start enjoying a more discreet, comfortable rest, speak to your dentist about oral sleep appliances today!
About Dr. Drummond
Dr. David J. Drummond attended the University of Florida in Gainesville and Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago and following graduation entered the United States Army Dental Corps, where he received advanced training in oral surgery, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics. Today he is proud to help patients get the restful night they deserve right here in Lawton. To schedule an appointment for oral appliance therapy, visit our website or call 580-355-0344.