What Are the Benefits of an Oral Appliance?

Whether you suffer from sleep apnea, snoring, or both, consider getting an oral appliance. These devices can be beneficial in several ways, including preventing snoring and sleep apnea, reducing the amount of oxygen your body gets, and preventing you from choking.

SomnoDent Fusion

Having a SomnoDent device fitted can be an ideal alternative to having surgery. It is a comfortable, noninvasive oral appliance that is specifically designed for those who have mild to moderate sleep apnea. GLOBUS DENTIST can also use it for patients with severe sleep apnea who do not want to wear a CPAP machine.

SomnoDent oral appliances work by physically pushing the lower jaw forward. This helps prevent snoring and unpleasant symptoms associated with OSA, including dry mouth and a reduced sense of smell. These devices are also easier to use than CPAP devices. SomnoDent oral appliances are available in several varieties.

SomnoDent Fusion is an FDA 510(k)-cleared class II medical device. It has been designed to maximize patient comfort and compliance with treatment. It features a drop-in fit, an 8.5 mm advancement, and interchangeable wings.

Zyppah Pro

Using the Zyppah Pro oral appliance is a temporary solution to help you with sleep apnea. It is designed to advance the lower jaw and tongue forward to prevent them from collapsing and blocking your airway. It also prevents your tongue from falling back into your throat. This can cause the soft tissues in your throat to vibrate, causing you to snore.

Mandibular-repositioning device (MRD)

Using a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) may be a more effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP devices may be challenging and have adverse side effects, whereas a custom-made MRD may be a more comfortable and effective treatment option.

A mandibular repositioning device is a device which positions the mandible in a forward position. This position eliminates sleep apnea and snoring. It also reduces the vibration of the soft palate against the uvula. It can be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of materials. It can be plane-symmetric, have lateral flexibility, and be self-titratable.

Tongue-retaining device (TRD)

Several studies have shown that using tongue-retaining devices (TRD) can reduce mild to moderate sleep apnea. These devices are designed to suction the tongue into the anterior bulb of the mouth, where it cannot fall back into the throat. This prevents airway obstruction during sleep and also reduces snoring.

Tongue-retaining devices are designed according to the dental structure of each individual. They are not meant to replace surgery or CPAP but can be used with them.

They can be used as standalone devices or with mouthpieces. They are only for some but can be beneficial to certain people. There are certain risks involved, though. They can be sore or cause gingivitis if not used correctly.

Comfortable vs noisy CPAP machines

CPAP machines can be noisy, a common complaint among sleep apnea patients. While the noise is not a problem for many people, others find it interferes with their sleep.

If you're having trouble sleeping with the noise of your CPAP machine, there are ways to reduce the noise. You can purchase a noise-cancelling headset and use earplugs to muffle the noise. You can also place your device below your ear to reduce the sound.

Some machines produce more noise than others. If you're sensitive to noise, look for the quietest CPAP machine available. You can also talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your machine's settings.