Oral Appliance Therapy: Am I a Candidate?

What oral appliance therapy is

A custom oral appliance is a slim device, similar to a mouthguard, that you wear while you sleep. It holds your lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps your tongue and the soft tissue of your throat from falling back and blocking your airway. Guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine recommend it for adults with obstructive sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP or prefer another option.

Who is a good candidate?

• People with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For many of them, an appliance is a front-line option.
• People who can’t tolerate CPAP. If the mask, hose or noise keeps you from using CPAP, an appliance can treat sleep apnea of any severity better than a CPAP that sits unused.
• Side and stomach sleepers. No hose to fight.
• Frequent travelers. It fits in a pocket and needs no power.
• People who snore without sleep apnea, once apnea has been ruled out.

You’ll need enough healthy teeth to hold the appliance, and your jaw joint will be checked to make sure an appliance is comfortable for you.

What the process looks like at Love Sleep

1. ConsultationDr. Love reviews your sleep history and options and examines your teeth, bite and jaw joint.
2. Sleep testIf you haven’t been diagnosed, we order a home sleep test. If you have, bring the results and your prescription.
3. Custom fitting3D scans go to a dental lab, and your appliance is fitted when it arrives.
4. Follow-upAdjustments over a few visits, and a follow-up sleep test to confirm it’s working.

Why see a dentist for sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, but an oral appliance is a dental device. Making one that’s comfortable, protects your teeth and bite, and actually keeps your airway open takes training in dental sleep medicine. Dr. Sheri Love is a qualified provider with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and works alongside your physician throughout treatment.

The better question

“Am I a candidate?” matters. So does “what will I actually wear every night?” The most effective treatment is the one you use. If CPAP isn’t working for you, it’s worth finding out whether an appliance will. Compare CPAP and an oral appliance, or request a consultation with Dr. Love in Wichita.