Refresh Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center

Sleep apnea dental appliances, also known as oral appliance therapy, are a common treatment solution for sleep apnea—a disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. Custom-built, adjustable appliances such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or tongue-retaining devices (TRDs) help keep your airway open, improving breathing and sleep quality. However, proper fitting and follow-up care are crucial to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of these devices. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why these factors matter and how they impact your treatment.

Proper Fitting of Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances

A poorly fitted dental appliance can lead to discomfort and even make sleep apnea symptoms worse. This is commonly seen with over the counter snore guard solutions. Many ill-fitted MAD can cause jaw or tooth pain and the extra bulk can make them difficult to wear. While a TRD that is too tight can cause tongue soreness and poor compliance. Proper fitting ensures the device is comfortable and effective in keeping the airway open.

To ensure a proper fit, it is important to work with a qualified dentist who has extra training in sleep apnea management. Dentists are the only professional who can create a custom built MAD that is specifically tailored to your unique needs. Treatment involves an extensive exam and work up, as well as taking impressions or digital scans of your teeth and mouth to ensure a perfect fit.

Benefits of Custom-Fitted Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances

Improved comfort and patient compliance
Effective long-term symptom management
Reduced risk of side effects and complications
Increased device longevity

Importance of Regular Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-ups are essential for maximizing the long-term effectiveness of your sleep apnea dental appliance. Follow-up visits at Refreshed Sleep allow our specialists to:

Evaluate appliance fit and comfort
Make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal airway positioning
Address concerns or discomfort quickly
Monitor your progress closely and confirm the device effectively manages your sleep apnea

Frequent visits are particularly important in the initial months until a follow-up sleep study confirms your appliance effectively controls your symptoms. Additional adjustments may be needed during this period to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Once your sleep apnea is adequately managed, we recommend annual check-ups to confirm continued device functionality, address any changes in fit, and offer guidance on proper cleaning and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances

How long does a sleep apnea dental appliance last?
With proper care and regular follow-ups, appliances can last several years.

What if my appliance causes discomfort?
Contact our office immediately. Most discomfort can be resolved quickly with minor adjustments.

Are sleep apnea dental appliances effective for everyone?
They're ideal for mild to moderate sleep apnea and may benefit severe cases where CPAP is not tolerated.

Maximize Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Success

Proper fitting and diligent follow-up significantly enhance the effectiveness and longevity of your sleep apnea dental appliance. A well-fitted, consistently maintained appliance can effectively manage sleep apnea for years, whereas an ill-fitting or neglected device may require premature replacement or fail to adequately treat your sleep issues.

For optimal results, partner with the experienced dental sleep specialists at Refreshed Sleep.

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