Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances Explained (In Plain English!)
Did you know that there are at least 34 oral appliances for sleep apnea recognized by the U.
S.
Food & Drug Administration? If you suffer from this sleep disorder and are looking for some straightforward guidance on oral gadgets, read on.
This article provides the straight facts you're looking for! As the name suggests, a sleep apnea oral device is a tiny gadget which is fitted in your mouth to prevent the collapse of your soft palate - and ultimately prevent obstruction of the airway which causes this condition.
From its physical appearance and structure, an apnea oral tool is similar to an orthodontic retainer.
When fitted properly in the mouth, the oral device holds your lower jaw in place while you're sleeping, and also holds your tongue in the right position.
Apnea oral appliances come in various forms.
A doctor first examines your dental structure and recommends a (non-toxic) device which matches your teeth to be molded.
You then wear this oral device when going to sleep.
There are many places where you can acquire an apnea oral appliance.
Most dentists are able to provide custom made devices for their patients.
You can also search online to get a comprehensive list of all the oral devices and where they are sold.
Acquiring an appliance through the Internet is much cheaper compared to getting a custom made device.
But keep in mind that most appliances sold on the Internet are "one-size-fits-all".
So if you do buy an oral appliance this way, you might not get one that is a perfect fit for your mouth.
Choosing the wrong appliance can result in a rare condition called "temporomandibular joint disorder" (TMJ).
This is caused by incorrect positioning of the appliance, or as a result of too much stress applied on the jaws.
If you get TMJ, you may experience head pains, toothache, face strain, or neck pains.
Another potential drawback of oral appliances is the initial discomfort.
However, with time, it should not be too much of a problem.
A sleep apnea oral appliance not only works for people with sleep apnea but also helps in stopping snoring.
Compared to the other forms of sleep apnea treatment, using oral appliances are cheaper and more user-friendly.
And it sure beats surgery! It's no wonder this type of apnea treatment has received very positive ratings from doctors and patients alike.
S.
Food & Drug Administration? If you suffer from this sleep disorder and are looking for some straightforward guidance on oral gadgets, read on.
This article provides the straight facts you're looking for! As the name suggests, a sleep apnea oral device is a tiny gadget which is fitted in your mouth to prevent the collapse of your soft palate - and ultimately prevent obstruction of the airway which causes this condition.
From its physical appearance and structure, an apnea oral tool is similar to an orthodontic retainer.
When fitted properly in the mouth, the oral device holds your lower jaw in place while you're sleeping, and also holds your tongue in the right position.
Apnea oral appliances come in various forms.
A doctor first examines your dental structure and recommends a (non-toxic) device which matches your teeth to be molded.
You then wear this oral device when going to sleep.
There are many places where you can acquire an apnea oral appliance.
Most dentists are able to provide custom made devices for their patients.
You can also search online to get a comprehensive list of all the oral devices and where they are sold.
Acquiring an appliance through the Internet is much cheaper compared to getting a custom made device.
But keep in mind that most appliances sold on the Internet are "one-size-fits-all".
So if you do buy an oral appliance this way, you might not get one that is a perfect fit for your mouth.
Choosing the wrong appliance can result in a rare condition called "temporomandibular joint disorder" (TMJ).
This is caused by incorrect positioning of the appliance, or as a result of too much stress applied on the jaws.
If you get TMJ, you may experience head pains, toothache, face strain, or neck pains.
Another potential drawback of oral appliances is the initial discomfort.
However, with time, it should not be too much of a problem.
A sleep apnea oral appliance not only works for people with sleep apnea but also helps in stopping snoring.
Compared to the other forms of sleep apnea treatment, using oral appliances are cheaper and more user-friendly.
And it sure beats surgery! It's no wonder this type of apnea treatment has received very positive ratings from doctors and patients alike.
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