Oral Appliances Specialist

What is oral appliance therapy?

Oral appliance therapy consists of an oral appliance you wear in your mouth to improve airflow when you sleep. More specifically, it is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD), designed to open the rested constricted airway. It’s similar to a mouthpiece or orthodontic retainer, fitting comfortably in your mouth to reposition your jaw or tongue. Oral appliances can reduce symptoms associated with TMJ disorders and obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy helps:

• Prevent teeth grinding and clenching
• Reduce jaw pain
• Improve breathing
• Reduce snoring
• Optimize sleep quality
• Improve your overall quality of life

Dr. Martinez is highly trained in obstructive sleep apnea dentistry to offer you the best possible outcome.

“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”

What are the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airway is obstructed because soft tissues in your throat collapse during sleep. Risk factors for developing sleep apnea include being overweight, having a narrow airway, chronic nasal congestion, a deviated septum, high blood pressure, smoking, asthma, and diabetes, as well as a family history of sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Periods of stopped breathing
• Waking up choking or gasping
• A sore throat or dry mouth
• Problems concentrating
• Mood changes

At the first sign of sleep apnea or teeth grinding, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Martinez to find out if oral appliance therapy is right for you.