Using Oral Appliances to Cure Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring is a very common condition that affects 30 to 50 percent of the US population. There may be several causes of mild snoring, and it is not always a problem. However, if the snoring is heavy, a range of problems might ensue. This may include poor sleep quality because of obstructed airflow (leading to daytime fatigue), depression, decreased libido, and even strained relationships and marital discord. The good news is that oral appliances are now available that work as an effective cure for snoring and the associated condition of sleep apnea.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
In order to understand the use of oral appliances, you need to know a bit more about snoring and sleep apnea. Essentially, snoring is triggered when the airway passing through your throat to your lungs is partially obstructed and narrowed. Air travels faster through a narrow tube, and every time you breathe in, the speed of the airflow causes the soft tissue in the throat to vibrate. This produces the snoring sound.
There could be different causes of this narrowing of the air pipe. If you are significantly overweight, there may be deposits of fat in the windpipe, narrowing the channel. Other possible causes include a long and soft uvula or palette, and larger than normal tonsils. Most commonly, however, snoring begins when the tongue relaxes during deep sleep and falls back towards the windpipe. This narrows the air channel. Sometimes, the tongue falls back completely, collapsing the airway altogether. This obstructs air flow completely for several seconds till the brain sends alarm signals and the sleeping person wakes up suddenly with a gasp. This is called obstructed sleep apnea. This could happen several times in an hour, causing highly disturbed sleep.
Oral Appliances as a Solution
At times snoring may be cured by losing excess weight, or learning to sleep on your side rather than your back. If these simple behavioral changes don’t work, your doctor may suggest continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) treatment that requires wearing a mask, or the use of oral appliances. Oral appliances are relatively easier to adapt to for most people, as opposed to sleeping with a mask. They are also effective at eliminating mild or obstructed sleep apnea and reducing snoring, provided you get the right product from a reliable source.
Types Available
Broadly, there are two kinds of oral appliances. One kind moves the lower jaw forward, creating more space in the mouth and smoother airflow. This is used in cases where a recessed lower jaw is the cause of trouble. The other kind is fitted to keep the tongue or the soft palate in a forward position, ensuring a broader air passage. The important thing here is to make sure you get your oral device only from a dentist or orthodontist trained in these sleep disorders and their cures. It is best to only go to a dentist who is a member of the American Dental Sleep Association (ADSA).
Avoid Retail Products
Beware of a dentist or doctor who suggests an off-the-shelf device. In order to be truly effective, your oral appliance should be custom-made to your mouth’s specific measurements. Every mouth shape is different, and a device built to average specifications will only have limited effectiveness, if at all. A good dentist will set a plaster mold to the exact measurement of your teeth, and then order a custom device.
The Adjustment Period
It goes without saying that a custom device is more expensive than any retail oral product, but that is money you pay for a genuine solution to your problem. The good news is that there are no significant side effects of these oral devices. They feel a bit uncomfortable to begin with, but once adjusted into your mouth properly, they should not cause any pain or irritation. If you experience any pain in your jaw, you should get back in touch with your dentist immediately for a re-adjustment of the device.
Once the oral appliance is fitted, make sure you take a sleep test known as a polysomnogram. This will detect if the sleep apnea and snoring have dissipated. Ultimately, if you have found a good dentist and you you establish a good rapport with him or her, chances are your oral device will be a highly effective solution.
