Oral Appliance Therapy — A CPAP Alternative
While CPAP is the standard treatment for sleep apnea, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) estimates up to 50 percent of sleep apnea patients do not comply with or tolerate CPAP. Oral Appliance Therapy is an effective treatment option that offers a higher rate of patient compliance than CPAP.
Dr. Dexter also works with sleep physicians to identify the right oral appliance design, then custom fit appliances to each patient and makes any needed adjustments to ensure an open airway and a more restful sleep.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?
Oral Appliance Therapy, OAT, is an effective and non-invasive treatment alternative to the traditionally prescribed CPAP machine regardless of severity level. In contrast to a CPAP machine, these are mouth guard-like devices worn only during sleep to maintain an open, unobstructed airway. Effective oral appliances are formed from custom dental impressions, fitted and adjusted by Dr. Dexter to ensure proper fit and maximum effectiveness.
Oral Appliance Therapy can be prescribed to patients looking for a convenient and effective treatment for sleep apnea right off the bat or those who aren’t consistently using their CPAP or other sleep apnea treatments.
How does Oral Appliance Therapy work?
An oral appliance works to open the airway by positioning the jaw forward and holding it in place. There is a “sweet spot” in advancing the jaw where you get the maximum benefit of airway opening with the minimum of manageable side effects, such as jaw and muscle pain.
The positioning and stabilization of the jaw help hold the tongue and other tissues at the back of the mouth and throat in place, keeping them from collapsing back and obstructing the airway.
Oral Appliance Therapy Benefits
Closure and blockage of the airway during sleep result in disruption of sleep and a drop in oxygen. These events can cause microarousals, respiratory distress, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and disrupted non-restorative sleep.
Oral Appliance Therapy can keep the airway open, allowing the oxygen levels to be
maintained and restorative sleep functions to stabilize. Because of the ease and comfort of use, OAT has a higher compliance rate when compared to CPAP therapy. This significant increase in compliance is a factor in determining the effectiveness of care.
It is also comfortable, quiet, portable, easy to use and care for, and convenient for travel. Additionally, they do not restrict movements while sleeping, work with any sleeping position, can be used for patients who are CPAP intolerant, do not require electricity, and have no consumable parts to replace.
Oral Appliance Therapy Process |
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| # 1 | Evaluate your sleep health, determine if you are a candidate for OAT, and discuss taking a home sleep study. | |||||
| # 2 | After obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed and a prescription is provided by a sleep physician, Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is provided by Dr. Dexter. Dr. Dexter will work with you to select the best oral appliance for your needs. | |||||
| # 3 | Dr. Dexter will custom-fit the oral appliance using impressions and models of your teeth. Once the oral appliance is custom-made by a qualified dental lab, you will return to our office for a fitting and learn how to properly wear and care for it, including its warranty. | |||||
| # 4 | Follow-ups are scheduled as needed adjust your oral appliance to ensure the maximum benefit. Your sleep physician receives periodic updates on your treatment. | |||||
Oral Appliance Therapy Process |
|
| # 1 | Evaluate your sleep health, determine if you are a candidate for OAT, and discuss taking a home sleep study. |
| # 2 | After sleep apnea is diagnosed by a sleep physician, Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is provided by Dr. Dexter. Dr. Dexter will work with you to select the best oral appliance for your needs. |
| # 3 | Dr. Dexter will custom-fit the device using impressions and models of your teeth. Once the oral appliance is custom-made by a qualified dental lab, you will return to our office for a fitting and learn how to properly wear and care for your device, including its warranty. |
| # 4 | Follow-ups are scheduled as needed adjust your oral appliance to ensure the maximum benefit. Your sleep physician receives periodic updates on your treatment.. |