How Does An Oral Appliance Work?
Your oral appliance is custom-made specifically for you. You won’t get the same one as someone else because your sleep apnea is unique to you. An oral appliance is an apparatus that fits into your mouth. You wear it whenever you sleep, and it holds your jaw in a forward position where your airway won’t collapse or become blocked.
During your first appointment, we’ll consult with you, perform an examination of your jaw, and look at the results of your sleep study. We know sleep apnea is a life-changing diagnosis, so you never have to feel pressured at our dental office. If you decide on oral appliance therapy as your preferred course of treatment for sleep apnea, we’ll take impressions of your mouth and custom design your oral appliance.
It may take you a few days to adapt, but it should be comfortable and easy to wear. If you experience discomfort or soreness, give us a call, and we’ll make adjustments.
Is an Oral Appliance as Effective as CPAP?
Yes! If you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, your oral appliance is more effective than real-world CPAP treatment. Many people have trouble adhering to CPAP, making the treatment less effective. Before you know it, you’ll be sleeping peacefully, without disturbances. You’ll regain your energy and increase your quality of life.
If you’re thinking about switching from CPAP or oral appliance therapy, call Dr. Douglas Pick and his team at (515) 222-0505 or make an appointment online.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy Over CPAP
Oral appliance therapy has many benefits beyond effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
- Comfortable: No mask, tubes, or uncomfortable sleeping positions. Simply pop your appliance in and sleep.
- Convenient: Your oral appliance is easy to travel with. It has a small case that you can bring in your carry-on or pocket on airplanes.
- Discreet: Are you nervous about using your sleep treatment in front of a new relationship? Your oral appliance is small and discreet.
- Easy to clean: Cleaning your oral appliance is easy. Soak it as your brush your teeth in the morning.
- Can be used anywhere: Do you love to camp or travel to remote destinations? With an oral appliance, you can, since it doesn’t need electricity to work.
- Non-surgical: This appliance doesn’t require any type of surgery. It’s non-invasive and easy.
- Not disruptive to sleeping partner: Your partner will sleep easily without hearing you snore or other treatment noises. Your oral appliance doesn’t make a sound.
- Restorative sleep: You’ll experience the restorative sleep you need to be happy and healthy.
What Treatment Option is Best for Me?
If you’re wondering whether oral appliance therapy or CPAP is best for you, consider these things.
- Type of sleep apnea: If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you can choose to wear an oral appliance or CPAP.
- The severity of sleep apnea: How severe is your obstructive sleep apnea? If it’s severe, you’ll need to use a CPAP. But mild to moderate sleep apnea sufferers can use oral appliance therapy.
- Lifestyle: Which is more convenient for your lifestyle? Think about vacations, camping, and work travel.
- Budget: Depending on your insurance, it may cover CPAP and oral appliance therapy. If it doesn’t, we’ll discuss your budget during your consultation.
The best sleep apnea treatment is the one you’ll use every time you sleep! Make an appointment with Dr. Pick, and he can help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Oral Appliance Therapy in Des Moines
Oral appliance therapy is an excellent CPAP alternative for those who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or can’t adhere to CPAP. If oral appliance therapy sounds like something you’re considering to treat your sleep apnea, trust Iowa’s best sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Douglas Pick. At Iowa Sleep & TMJ, we applaud you for finding the best treatment for your sleep apnea, and we’re here to guide you on your journey to healthy sleep. Call (515) 222-0505 or make an appointment online today.
