Oral Appliance Therapy in Hilliard, OH

Get the Restful Sleep You Need

Are you seeking a non-invasive, convenient solution to manage obstructive sleep apnea? At Fishinger Dental, we offer oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, helping you achieve better sleep. Dr. Nathan Desai, one of the best dentists in Hilliard, OH, provides custom oral appliances to treat sleep apnea, ensuring you get the rest you need.

If you’re ready to explore how a custom dental device can treat sleep apnea, contact our office today by calling (614) 771-6060.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a cutting-edge sleep apnea treatment involving a custom-made oral appliance worn during sleep. These devices resemble mouthguards or retainers and work by repositioning the lower jaw forward to maintain an open airway, effectively treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder where the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, causing blockages in the upper airway. This results in repeated interruptions in breathing (apneas) throughout the night, often leading to daytime fatigue, loud snoring, and increased health risks like high blood pressure.

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?

Oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), gently move the lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open during sleep. By reducing physical blockages in the upper airway, these devices alleviate symptoms like snoring and improve sleep quality.

At Fishinger Dental, Dr. Desai will assess your condition and take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fitted appliance to treat your OSA. Once the appliance is ready, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to use and care for it. You’ll be guided on how to properly insert and remove the appliance. Regular follow-ups will ensure the appliance is adjusted as needed for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Types of Oral Appliances

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

Mandibular advancement devices are the most widely used type of oral appliance for sleep apnea. They work by repositioning the lower jaw (mandible) forward during sleep, which helps keep the airway open and prevent obstruction. 

These devices typically consist of two separate trays for the upper and lower teeth, connected by adjustable hinges to allow for gradual advancement. MADs are custom-fit to the patient’s teeth and can be adjusted by our dentist to find the optimal jaw position for reducing sleep apnea symptoms.

Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs)

Tongue-retaining devices are designed to hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from falling backward and blocking the airway. Unlike MADs, TRDs don’t reposition the jaw. Instead, they rely on suction or a bulb to hold the tongue in place.

TRDs may be a suitable option for individuals who can’t tolerate MADs or have dental issues that prevent them from using MADs.

Combination Devices

Some sleep apnea oral appliances combine features of both MADs and TRDs. These devices aim to advance the lower jaw while also providing tongue stabilization. Combination devices are customized to the patient’s oral anatomy and may offer enhanced effectiveness in certain cases.

Benefits of Oral Appliances

Oral appliance therapy offers several benefits as a treatment option for sleep apnea, including:

• Non-invasive: Unlike surgery, oral appliances don’t require any invasive procedures.
• Comfortable: They’re generally well-tolerated and more comfortable than other treatments like CPAP therapy.
• Portable: Oral appliances are small and portable, making them convenient for travel.
• Quiet: Unlike CPAP machines, they don’t produce noise.
• Improved compliance: Many patients find it easier to use oral appliances consistently compared to CPAP machines.

How Do I Know If I Need an Oral Appliance?

Candidacy for oral appliance therapy is determined based on several factors, including:

1. Type of Sleep Apnea: Oral appliance therapy is primarily recommended for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s generally not used as a treatment for central sleep apnea, which results from a failure of the brain to signal the muscles to breathe.
2. The Severity of Sleep Apnea: Oral appliance therapy is typically considered for individuals with mild to moderate OSA. For severe cases of OSA, other treatments like CPAP therapy or surgery may be more appropriate.
3. Medical History: The patient’s medical history, including any underlying health conditions or dental issues, is assessed. This helps determine whether the patient can tolerate wearing an oral appliance and if there are any contraindications.
4. Dental Health: The condition of the patient’s teeth and jaws is evaluated as oral appliances require proper dental support. Individuals with extensive dental work, such as missing teeth, may not be suitable candidates.
5. Compliance: Some patients may have difficulty adapting to wearing an oral appliance during sleep. Assessing the patient’s willingness and ability to comply with the treatment plan is essential.
6. Preference: Patient preference plays a significant role in candidacy. Some individuals may prefer oral appliance therapy over other treatments like CPAP due to its comfort, portability, and quiet operation.

If you’re wondering if oral appliance therapy will work for you, contact our Hilliard dental team today by calling (614) 771-6060 to schedule a consultation. 

Alternative Sleep Apnea Treatments

In some cases, our dentist may recommend using an oral appliance along with another type of sleep apnea treatment. 

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

CPAP is one of the most effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP machines deliver a continuous stream of oxygen through a mask to keep the airway open. It’s a tried and true method of sleep apnea treatment.

Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Therapy

BiPAP machines provide two levels of air pressure — one for inhalation and another for exhalation. These machines may be prescribed for patients who have difficulty tolerating traditional CPAP therapy, or those who require higher-pressure support. 

Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain lifestyle changes can be beneficial for managing mild cases of sleep apnea or as adjunctive therapies. These lifestyle changes may include:

• Weight loss: Losing excess weight, especially around the neck, can reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
• Positional therapy: Some individuals experience sleep apnea primarily when sleeping on their back (supine position). Sleeping on one’s side may help reduce symptoms.
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These substances can relax the throat muscles, exacerbating sleep apnea.