Oral appliance therapy involves using a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) worn in the mouth to improve airflow during sleep. Similar to a mouthpiece or orthodontic retainer, it comfortably repositions your jaw or tongue to open up your airway. This therapy is effective for:

• Preventing teeth grinding and clenching

• Reducing jaw pain

• Improving breathing

• Minimizing snoring

• Enhancing sleep quality

• Boosting overall quality of life

Dr. Jaclyn Martinez specializes in obstructive sleep apnea dentistry, ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients. Oral appliances are a simpler alternative to CPAP machines, maintaining upper airway patency and reducing collapsibility. Recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for mild-to-moderate OSA, they are particularly beneficial for patients intolerant to CPAP. Studies have shown oral appliances positively impact sleepiness, blood pressure, neuropsychological functioning, and quality of life.

“Oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are worn during sleep to maintain the patency of the upper airway by increasing its dimensions and reducing its collapsibility. Oral appliances are a simpler alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Over the last decade, there has been a significant expansion of the evidence base to support the use for oral appliances, with robust studies demonstrating their efficacy. This work has been underpinned by the recognition of the importance of upper airway anatomy in the pathophysiology of OSA. The updated practice parameters of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine now recommend their use for mild-to-moderate OSA, or for patients with severe OSA who are unable to tolerate CPAP or refuse treatment with CPAP. Oral appliances have been shown to have a beneficial impact on a number of important clinical end points, including the polysomnographic indexes of OSA, subjective and objective measures of sleepiness, BP, aspects of neuropsychological functioning, and quality of life. Elucidation of the mechanism of action of oral appliances has provided insight into the factors that predict treatment response and may improve the selection of patients for this treatment modality. Longitudinal studies to characterize the long-term adverse effects of oral appliance use are now beginning to emerge. Although less efficacious than CPAP for improving the polysomnographic indexes of OSA, oral appliances are generally preferred by patients. This has the potential to translate to better patient adherence and may provide an equivalent health outcome.”

Ref: Chan, Lee, Cistulli. “Dental Appliance Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea”

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when soft tissues in the throat collapse and block the airway during sleep. Risk factors include:

• Being overweight

• Having a narrow airway

• Chronic nasal congestion

• Deviated septum

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Asthma

• Diabetes

• Family history of sleep apnea

Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Morning headaches

• Periods of stopped breathing

• Waking up choking or gasping

• Sore throat or dry mouth

• Problems concentrating

• Mood changes

If you notice any signs of sleep apnea or teeth grinding, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Martinez to determine if oral appliance therapy is suitable for you. Experience the benefits of improved sleep and overall health with a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs.