Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Oral Appliances?
Oral appliances are an alternative to the traditional CPAP mask, used for sleep apnea treatment. Custom oral sleep apnea devices are worn in the mouth during sleep to help prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat during sleep. This can enable an individual to sleep restfully through the night without snoring or experiencing an obstructed airway.
Appliances may be used alone to treat excessive snoring for mild or moderate cases of sleep apnea. They may also be prescribed in combination with other sleep apnea treatments. There are many types of oral appliances that a sleep specialist may prescribe. The most common sleep apnea oral appliances are:
- Tongue-retaining appliances, which reposition the tongue during sleep to prevent airway blockage
- Mandibular advancement devices, which reposition the lower jaw and tongue, preventing airway collapse
What Do Oral Appliances Treat?
Oral appliance CPAP alternatives can be used to treat:
- Snoring
- Mild or moderate sleep apnea
- Airway obstruction
- Low oxygen levels
- Severe sleep apnea for patients that cannot tolerate CPAP (in combination with other treatments)
How Do They Work?
Oral appliances are custom-made for each patient. The devices control snoring and sleep apnea by positioning the tongue and jaw, keeping the airway open during sleep. This promotes higher oxygen intake and reduces snoring and obstructed the airway during sleep.
The appliances are similar in appearance to mouth guards or retainers and are worn only during sleep. When the new oral appliance is introduced to a patient, Sinus Center Los Angeles doctors use acoustic reflection technology, called pharyngometry, to monitor changes in the airway and to ensure optimal positioning of the device.
Why Use Sinus Center LA?
Sinus Center LA located in Pacific Palisades has our own onsite laboratory for quality control and precision. Our master technician has 22 years of experience. Dr. Jacobson has more than 30 years of experience.
Collaboration between our board-certified ENT (otorhinolaryngologist), our orthodontist, your board-certified sleep physician, and our onsite laboratory technicians is invaluable for the efficacy of this treatment.
Sinus Center Los Angeles laboratory technicians can custom make an appliance for you that same day if needed.
Oral appliances must be prescribed and custom-made specifically for each patient. The devices are custom-designed by our doctors following testing to ensure optimal efficacy and, of course, comfort. This will help ensure effective control for your snoring and sleep apnea.
Our specialists prescribe the precise amount of positioning of the tongue and jaw to optimize airway opening during sleep. This promotes higher oxygen intake and reduces snoring and obstruction of the airway during sleep.
The appliances are similar in appearance to mouth guards or retainers and are worn only during sleep. When the new oral appliance is introduced to a patient, Sinus Center LA doctors use CBCT imaging, endoscopy, and home monitoring technology to help monitor your progress and airway and to ensure optimal positioning of the device.
What Are The Benefits Of Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances?
Benefits of using sleep apnea oral appliances include:
- Non-invasive
- Devices are comfortable and easy to wear
- Maybe suitable for patients who are CPAP intolerant
- Adjustment period with new device is short
- Devices are small and easy to carry when traveling
- Significantly improve symptoms, including increased oxygen saturation at night and decreased daytime sleepiness, when used consistently
- Compliance rates are considerably higher than CPAP
- Significant improvements in snoring
- Corrects mild and moderate sleep apnea symptoms
If you are suffering from sleep apnea and believe you may benefit from sleep apnea oral appliances, the first step is to consult with a sleep specialist. Ear, nose, and throat experts at Sinus Center Los Angeles are trained and practiced in treating sleep apnea with CPAP. Fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or to learn more about Sinus Center LA’s treatment options.