Who Can Benefit from a Dental Device for Sleep Apnea?

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines have traditionally been the go-to treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a custom-fit dental device is a lesser-known but highly effective treatment alternative.

Our Beaufils Dental team offers outstanding dental care for people of all ages from our Cooper City, Florida, office. Our services include customized, easy-to-wear dental devices for obstructive sleep apnea that can eliminate the need for your CPAP machine.

Read on to explore how dental devices can revolutionize the lives of sleep apnea sufferers, offering a comfortable and convenient solution for your nighttime sleep struggles.

Understanding sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common yet potentially dangerous breathing-related sleep disorder that affects millions of people in the United States. It’s characterized by the repeated cessation of breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and a range of adverse health effects.

Most people with sleep apnea have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurring when throat muscles overly relax during sleep and block airways.

Along with disturbed sleep and excessive snoring, health complications related to OSA include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Elevated blood pressure
• Decreased motivation
• Digestive disorders
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other serious conditions

Fortunately, successful treatment for OSA can improve your quality of life and overall well-being.

How can dental devices help with sleep apnea?

Dental devices, also known as oral appliances or mandibular advancement devices (MADs), have gained recognition as a viable alternative to CPAP machines.

These devices are custom-made to fit your mouth and designed to wear during sleep. They work by gently repositioning the jaw, tongue, and soft tissues to help maintain an open and unobstructed airway, thus reducing or eliminating your episodes of breathing cessation.

Advantages of dental devices for sleep apnea

The many benefits of a dental solution for sleep apnea include the following:

Comfort and convenience

Dental devices offer a more comfortable and less intrusive option for OSA sufferers compared to CPAP machines. They’re small, portable, and don’t require external power sources or bulky equipment. That makes them easier to travel with and more convenient for regular use.

Increased compliance

One of the main challenges with CPAP therapy is low patient compliance due to discomfort, noise, and feelings of claustrophobia associated with wearing a mask.

Dental devices can significantly improve compliance rates since they’re less intrusive and more user-friendly. That allows you to consistently use the device as prescribed, leading to better treatment outcomes.

Enhanced sleep quality

By promoting better airflow, reducing snoring, and minimizing interruptions in breathing, dental devices offer a more restful and rejuvenating sleep. 

Benefits of restful sleep include increased daytime alertness, improved cognitive function, and often significant improvement in the health complications related to poor sleep.

Noninvasive solution

Unlike surgical interventions for sleep apnea, dental devices don’t require any invasive procedures or alterations to the anatomy of the airway. In addition, because these devices are adjustable, your dentist can ensure the fit and comfort of your oral appliance.

Schedule an evaluation at Beaufils Dental today for more information about using a custom-fit dental device to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Call our office or request an appointment online.