Sleep & Breathing
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea and Snoring
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Sleep & Breathing
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens during sleep when the airway narrows or closes due to the throat muscles relaxing. When this happens, breathing pauses until the brain briefly wakes you up in order to reopen the airway. These interruptions can happen dozens of times an hour, and you often won’t remember a single one.
More than 30 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea, and an estimated 80 percent of cases go undiagnosed. Why does this matter? Because untreated sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and drowsy-driving accidents. People with untreated OSA face a higher risk of heart disease. Treating it is about far more than quieter nights. It is about protecting your long-term health – a staple here at Lansdowne Dental Care.
Sleep & Breathing
Common signs of sleep apnea
Many people first hear about their sleep apnea from a partner. Others notice the effects during the day. Sometimes the connection point isn’t always clear. So here are some common signs to watch for:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Pauses in breathing, gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking up tired, even after a full night in bed
- Morning headaches or a dry mouth
- Daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating or irritability
- Clenching or grinding your teeth at night
- Waking often to use the bathroom
If any of these sound familiar, talk with your physician about a sleep evaluation.
Sleep & Breathing
How a mandibular advancement device works
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom-fitted oral appliance, similar to a sports mouthguard or retainer, that you wear while you sleep. It gently holds your lower jaw slightly forward.
It may not sound like that movement is much, but it actually makes a huge impact. When the lower jaw moves forward, it brings the tongue and the muscles attached to it forward, too. This can help open and stabilize areas where the airway often narrows, such as behind the soft palate and the base of the tongue. For many patients, that means less snoring and fewer breathing interruptions. Results vary from person to person, which is why follow-up testing with your physician is an important part of treatment.
This is far from a cookie-cutter approach. We do a comprehensive evaluation of your airway and bite so that each appliance is custom-made from precise records of your teeth and jaw. It is then adjusted over time until it gives you the best result with the most comfort. From start to finish, our team makes sure this treatment fits you.
Quieter Nights.
Healthier Days.
Who is oral appliance therapy for?
You are not alone if you’ve been told you snore, wake up exhausted no matter how long you sleep, or simply couldn’t get used to a CPAP machine. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common and most overlooked health conditions in the country. At Lansdowne Dental Care, Dr. Tracey Nguyen, a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, works alongside your physician to help adults manage obstructive sleep apnea with custom oral appliances designed to help keep the airway open during sleep.
Oral appliance therapy can be a great fit for adults who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea already. It is also a good fit for adults who snore loudly and have been seen by a physician to figure out whether or not they have OSA. We also recommend looking into oral appliance therapy if you have tried CPAP but found the mask, straps, air pressure, or the feeling of being claustrophobic hard to tolerate. This is also a great option if you travel often and want something compact and quiet to take with you. Some physicians may advise you use an appliance alongside CPAP to further your care.
Oral appliance therapy is a guideline-supported treatment for adults with obstructive sleep apnea, particularly for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP or prefer another option. For some people, it works best in combination with CPAP or other therapies. Our team will be with you every step of the way, and Dr. Tracey works with your physician to help you understand whether an oral appliance fits your diagnosis.
Sleep & Breathing
Oral appliance or CPAP: how they compare
CPAP uses a mask and a gentle stream of air to hold the airway open. It is generally the most effective treatment for reducing breathing events, and it is often the first treatment physicians recommend. The challenge is that many people find the mask, hose, and noise hard to live with, and a treatment only helps when it is used. An oral appliance is a recognized alternative for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP or who prefer another option. It is small, quiet, needs no electricity, and travels easily. Some patients use both, as directed by their physician. Your physician and Dr. Tracey can talk with you about the pros and cons of each option for your situation.
Step by Step
Your treatment journey at Lansdowne Dental Care
1
Sleep study
Sleep apnea is a medical diagnosis made by a physician, so treatment starts with a sleep study ordered and interpreted by your physician. If you haven’t had one, our team can help connect you with a physician. If you’ve already been diagnosed, bring your physician’s referral with you.
2
Consultation and airway evaluation
Working from your physician’s diagnosis, Dr. Tracey reviews your dental and health history, your symptoms and your goals, and evaluates your teeth, jaw joints, bite, and airway. This helps her determine whether you’re a good candidate for an oral appliance and which design will work best.
3
Choosing your appliance
We use an FDA-cleared medical oral appliance to treat sleep apnea, custom-made for your teeth and bite. Dr. Tracey will walk you through what to expect so you can move forward with confidence.
4
Custom fitting
Your appliance is made from precise records of your teeth and bite. At your fitting appointment, we make sure it is comfortable and show you how to wear and care for it.
5
Follow-up and fine-tuning
Over the following months, we adjust your appliance gradually to find the position that balances effectiveness and comfort. Feeling better is a good sign, but it isn’t enough on its own. A follow-up sleep test with your physician is needed to confirm the appliance is working, and we coordinate with your physician throughout. Treating sleep apnea effectively is a collaborative effort.
6
Long-term monitoring
We continue to check your appliance, your bite, and your jaw joints at regular visits, so your treatment stays effective and comfortable for years.
Sleep & Breathing
What to know about long-term appliance use and how to care for it
Like any medical treatment, oral appliance therapy has considerations. Over time, some patients experience tooth movement, changes in how their teeth fit together, or temporary jaw discomfort. This is why our team takes careful records before and during your treatment. Dr. Tracey monitors your bite and jaw at every visit; and, if early changes appear, they can often be managed with steps such as a morning repositioning appliance, although some changes can be permanent. We’ll talk through all of this before you begin, so you know exactly what to expect.
A little daily care keeps your appliance clean, comfortable and working well. Rinse it each morning and brush it gently with a soft brush and cool water. Store it in its case when you’re not wearing it, and keep it away from heat and pets. Bring it to each follow-up visit so we can check the fit and condition. With good care, your appliance can serve you well for years.
Meet the Doctor
Why choose Dr. Tracey for sleep apnea care?
Dr. Tracey is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), a designation the ABDSM describes as the gold standard for excellence in dental sleep medicine. It reflects advanced education, knowledge and experience in oral appliance therapy. She is also co-founder of ASAP Pathway™, an advanced education program that trains dentists across the country in airway, sleep, and pediatric care.
At Lansdowne Dental Care, we look beyond just teeth and take a whole-body approach. This is why we look at how your airway, jaw joints, bite, and teeth work together, first and foremost. We treat the system, not just the snoring.
Physician Referrals
For physicians: refer a patient
We welcome referrals from sleep physicians and primary care providers. Send us the patient’s sleep study results and a completed referral form, including the diagnosis and the reason the patient cannot tolerate CPAP, if applicable. Our team takes it from there. We evaluate the patient for oral appliance therapy, select the appropriate appliance, and keep you updated on their progress, so you can confirm treatment effectiveness with follow-up testing.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?
CPAP is generally more effective at reducing breathing events, and it remains the standard first treatment for many patients. An oral appliance is a recognized alternative for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP or prefer another option. Your physician will help you decide which option is right for you, based on your sleep study and health history.
Will it be comfortable?
Many patients adjust within a few weeks, although it can take longer for some. Because each appliance is custom-made and adjusted gradually, we work with you to make it as comfortable as possible.
Does it help with snoring?
Oral appliances often reduce snoring. Keep in mind that snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, so quieter nights don’t always mean sleep apnea is controlled. That’s why follow-up testing with your physician matters.
What are my payment options?
Call our office, and our team will walk you through your payment options.
Take the first step toward better sleep
You don’t have to accept exhausting nights or a machine you can’t tolerate. Schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Tracey to talk through your symptoms, your diagnosis and whether an oral appliance may be right for you.
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a Conversation
Tell us a little about what you’re experiencing and our team will reach out to schedule your virtual consultation with Dr. Tracey.
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