Oral Appliance Education
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that impacts around 18 million Americans, many of whom may be unaware they have it. In OSA, breathing repeatedly stops during sleep due to a blockage in the airway, often caused when soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse. These interruptions in breathing cause the brain to briefly wake the body, whether or not the person becomes fully conscious, to reopen the airway. Throughout the night, those with OSA may experience hundreds of these wakeful moments, typically without realizing it.
The disrupted sleep from obstructive sleep apnea leads to a variety of daytime symptoms, including drowsiness, persistent fatigue, irritability, and difficulties with focus. Left untreated, severe OSA can contribute to serious health problems, such as cardiovascular conditions.
Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include loud or frequent snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping or choking during sleep, daytime sleepiness, waking up feeling unrefreshed, insomnia, and morning headaches. Because the condition affects individuals while they’re asleep, noticing these signs during the day is essential.
If you or someone you know might be experiencing OSA, it’s crucial to seek treatment. One effective and convenient option is oral appliance therapy, which helps keep the airway open during sleep. Here’s how to begin treatment using an oral appliance for managing sleep apnea.
Steps to Begin Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
For Those Already Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you have a confirmed diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea from a physician or sleep specialist, reach out to Sound Sleep Medical to get started with oral appliance therapy. Our team will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, assessing your overall health and examining the oral structures that may be affected by the appliance. After the evaluation, we’ll discuss the various appliance options available to best suit your treatment needs.For Those Who Suspect They Have a Sleep Disorder
If you haven’t been formally diagnosed but suspect a sleep disorder, your first step is to schedule a consultation with us at Sound Sleep Medical. We offer screenings specifically for sleep-related breathing disorders. If the screening suggests a possible sleep disorder, we’ll guide you to a trusted sleep specialist for a comprehensive sleep test, known as a polysomnogram, to confirm the diagnosis.Next Steps in Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral Appliance Therapy for Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea
For milder cases of obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is often recommended. This custom-fitted device resembles a mouth guard, similar to those worn by athletes, and is designed for use only during sleep. It supports the internal structures of your mouth, preventing the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues at the back of the throat, and helps hold the upper and lower teeth in position while gently moving the lower jaw forward. This positioning keeps the airway open, allowing for easier breathing and more restful sleep.
Consultation with a Sleep Specialist
During your consultation, you’ll discuss your symptoms, personal and family medical history, and undergo a physical exam. If you have a sleep partner, it can be helpful to ask them about any patterns they’ve noticed—like snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing—since these behaviors can occur without your awareness. The physical exam will focus on your nose, mouth, and throat to check for enlarged or abnormal tissues, as these can contribute to airway obstruction. In adults, an enlarged soft palate or uvula, for example, might play a role in sleep apnea.
The Sleep Test
To confirm a diagnosis, your sleep specialist may recommend either an in-lab sleep study (polysomnogram) or a home sleep test.
- Polysomnogram: This in-depth test is conducted at a sleep center, where a team monitors you throughout the night. It records movements (such as arms, legs, and chest), oxygen levels, snoring, and airflow through your nostrils.
- Home Sleep Test: A more convenient option, this test allows you to use a portable device at home to monitor similar metrics.
If sleep apnea is diagnosed, we’ll work together to plan the best treatment approach. In more severe cases, a split-night study may be recommended, where you use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine for part of the night to assess its impact on your sleep quality.