Dentists play an important role in the team approach to the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Dentists who are specifically trained in aspects of sleep medicine and have a command of multiple appliance modalities are of great help to physicians in treating patients with sleep disordered breathing problems. Oral appliance therapy may very well provide the solution. It has been proven to be a highly effective treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is very common, and affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. However because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Oral Appliance Therapy & Oral Systemic Balance
In 1995 the Association of Professional Sleep Societies representing the segment of medicine associated with sleep and sleep disorders formally recognized that Oral Appliances are effective in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. These devices, similar in appearance to orthodontic retainers and athletic mouth guards, are worn during sleep. The selection, custom design, fitting and then management of their use are referred to as Oral Appliance Therapy.
A new generation of Oral Appliance Therapy, referred to as Oral Systemic Balance, addresses the impaired oral functions of speaking, swallowing and "breathing" both when awake and when asleep. These are more sophisticated appliance designs and customization appears to have a greater and more far reaching impact upon ones’ breathing, sleep, ability to relax, and their entire physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea, usually characterized by severe snoring, is now recognized as a life threatening disorder associated with higher rates of stroke, heart attack, and accidents that are often caused by excessive sleepiness while driving a motor vehicle. It also affects mental acuity, alertness and temperament leading to work impairment and social strife. Yet obstructive sleep apnea is often not diagnosed and, even when diagnosed, is often untreated or ineffectively or inappropriately treated.
CPAP
Although nasal continuous positive air pressure (CPAP), reputed to be the most effective method, is commonly the first approach to treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, it is poorly tolerated by about 30% of most patients during their initial trial. In addition, during the first three years of CPAP use, about 30% of the initial 70% of patients who began treatment with CPAP abandon it. Over 50% of sleep apnea patients cannot use nasal CPAP. Most find it intolerable, some find it inconvenient, and a few find it inadequate.
Surgery for OSA
Surgery, especially to the palate, tongue and throat has been affective 50% of the time at best, is irreversible and often times loses its effectiveness.
The challenge of oral appliance therapy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and in eliminating or significantly reducing snoring is dependent upon how it is practiced. Success depends on matching the most appropriate appliance, its fit, setting and method of use to the individual patient whose temperament, treatment goals, apnea characteristics, physical structures of their mouth, jaws and throat are unique to them.
Our doctors utilize both non-surgical procedures to help treat your obstructive sleep apnea or upper airway-related sleep disorder. A consultation with one of our doctors will help you to determine which alternative is the best treatment for you.