Oral Appliance Therapy: What Is It?

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from sleep apnea, you may be interested in oral appliance therapy. This type of treatment uses a small device to help you breathe better during sleep. Oral appliance therapy can be an effective way to treat sleep apnea, and it may help you feel more rested during the day. If you are interested in oral appliance therapy, talk to an Austin oral appliance therapy specialist. He or she can help you determine if this is the proper treatment for you. Oral appliance therapy may not be appropriate for everyone, so discussing your options with a healthcare professional is essential.

Who is a Candidate?

Oral appliance therapy may be a good option for people who have mild or moderate sleep apnea. If you have severe sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may not suit you. You should also consider oral appliance therapy if you have difficulty breathing during sleep or if you snore loudly.

You can also find it beneficial if you have:

  • Tiredness or fatigue during the day
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Dry mouth or a sore throat when you wake up
  • Difficulty staying asleep or waking up frequently during the night

If you are pregnant, elderly, or have a history of jaw problems, you may not qualify for oral appliance therapy. Talk to your doctor to see if this treatment is right for you.

How Does It Work?

Oral appliance therapy uses a small device to help you breathe better during sleep. This device is worn in your mouth and helps keep your airway open while you sleep. It may also help reduce snoring.

Your oral appliance therapist will work with you to find the suitable device for you. He or she will also help you adjust to wearing the device. It is important to wear your appliance as prescribed by your therapist. If you do not wear it correctly, it may not effectively treat your sleep apnea.

What are the Benefits?

There are many benefits to oral appliance therapy. This treatment can help you breathe better during sleep, leading to improved sleep quality and fewer symptoms of sleep apnea. It can also help reduce snoring. Oral appliance therapy may be a good option for people who have mild or moderate sleep apnea. If you have severe sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may not suit you. You should also consider oral appliance therapy if you have difficulty breathing during sleep or if you snore loudly.

You can also find it beneficial if you have:

  • Tiredness or fatigue during the day
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Dry mouth or a sore throat when you wake up
  • Difficulty staying asleep or waking up frequently during the night

Are There Any Risks?

There are few risks associated with oral appliance therapy. However, if you do not wear your device as prescribed, you may experience some of the same symptoms before treatment. It is essential to follow your therapist’s instructions carefully.

In summary, oral appliance therapy is a safe and effective way to treat sleep apnea. If you are interested in this treatment, talk to your doctor or an oral appliance therapist. He or she can help you determine if this is the right option for you. Oral appliance therapy may not be appropriate for everyone, so it is important to discuss your options with a healthcare professional.