One of the most practical and effective treatments for sleep apnea and excessive snoring is oral appliance therapy. Essentially, it entails wearing a detachable oral appliance inside the mouth while sleeping. An oral appliance fits similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard used for protecting the mouth during sports.
Here at VA Smile Makers, our dentists, Dr. Sherry Anoushfar and Dr. Mohsen Izadi, frequently use oral appliances to give patients who come into our Vienna and Reston, VA, offices relief from mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
Basically, an oral device is specifically made to prevent the airway from collapsing or closing in either by repositioning the jaw or holding your tongue in proper position while sleeping. Various oral devices are used for treating sleep apnea symptoms but most appliances fall under these two categories:
- Tongue Retaining Appliances: These are used for holding the tongue in a favorable position to help keep the airway unobstructed or open during sleep.
- Mandibular Repositioning Appliances: These devices are utilized for repositioning the lower jaw slightly downward and more forward to keep the airway open as you’re sleeping.
It’s vital to point out that over-the-counter oral appliances are not effective for treating symptoms of sleep apnea or excessive snoring. During a consultation at either one of our locations in Reston or Vienna, VA, you will be fitted for an oral device to ensure its effectiveness.
How You Can Benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy
While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure therapy) remains the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea, some people prefer oral appliance therapy because the device is more comfortable, easier to use, and portable. More importantly, it offers the same benefits and results as CPAP in people with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Treating sleep apnea can significantly lower your risk of experiencing a stroke or developing a chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes. You’ll likewise improve your daytime concentration and alertness because you’ll be receiving a sufficient amount of quality sleep.
Need More Information on Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea? Contact Us
Reach out to us here at VA Smile Makeovers to set up your appointment with Dr. Sherry Anoushfar or Dr. Mohsen Izadi. You can call our Reston, VA, office at 703-318-8133, and our Vienna, VA, office at 703-319-9880.