Orthodontic Appliances
Sleep apnea can cause numerous complications ranging from excessive tiredness during the day to inability to concentrate and elevated risk of motor vehicle accidents. For those struggling with sleep apnea, the earlier you receive treatment the more you can get back to living a more comfortable life.
Traditional sleep apnea treatments like the CPAP machine are now being replaced with effective, well researched orthodontic appliances. They are non-invasive, portable, discreet, and far more comfortable than other forms of sleep apnea therapy.
Treating sleep apnea with orthodontics requires the use of appliances, and there are a variety of orthodontic appliances, that have been successfully used to treat mild to severe cases of sleep apnea. The following are some of these appliances and a brief introduction to what they provide. If you’d like more information on any of these appliances, please contact our office today for a consultation.
Mandibular Advancement Device
This device is similar in size and shape to a traditional mouth guard. It works by pulling the lower jaw down and forward, keeping the airway open and limiting incidences of apnea.These mandibular repositioning devices are custom fitted to your mouth using engineering (CAD) technology, allowing for a very comfortable fit.
Tongue Retrainer
A tongue retrainer is a type of splint that holds your tongue in a certain position as you sleep using very mild and comfortable suction, allowing your airway to remain open. This particular device does require frequent adjustments, but many find it is one of the most comfortable choices and allows for easy swallowing and other functions.
Rapid Maxillary Expansion
Also known as expanders, this device is temporarily placed into the roof of your mouth and adjusted by your orthodontist on a regular basis. It’s most useful for those with narrow palates and would likely be used before braces if you are considering using braces for treatment of or prevention of sleep apnea.
Braces for Sleep Apnea
In some cases, the misalignment of your jaw or teeth can be severe enough that it leads to the exacerbation of your sleep apnea. Braces usually do not offer a complete solution alone, but they can be an important step in getting your alignment corrected so that other devices can work more effectively.
Contact Remarkable Smiles to Learn More About Appliances Used for Sleep Apnea
As Orange County orthodontists, ReMarkable Smiles specializes in devices used to treat sleep apnea. Our team is able to offer alternative and effective treatment plans for all of our patients, and we’d love to meet with you and determine what the best choice is for your sleep apnea needs.
If you’re ready to control your sleep apnea with orthodontics, call us today to make an appointment. We’re happy to discuss all of the options available for your particular case, and make sure that you have the most comfortable option that effectively controls your sleep apnea.