If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or another sleep breathing disorder, our sleep dentist may recommend oral appliance therapy to help keep your airway open so that you can get the rest you need. Sleep apnea and snoring occur when the airways are obstructed. These obstructions are typically caused when the soft tissues of the throat “collapse” or when the tongue rolls back and blocks the throat and airway, interrupting normal breathing and disrupting sleep patterns. Oral appliance therapy works to keep the airway open and encourage normal breathing.

Your oral appliance will be custom made to fit your mouth. It is designed to feel comfortable once placed and works to hold your jaw in a position that will tighten the soft tissues and muscles of the upper airway. This positioning of the jaw is typically done by slightly advancing the lower jaw forward. This positioning prevents those muscles from vibrating and obstructing your airway. The appliance will also relax the tissues at the back of your throat, stopping your tongue from rolling back. Together, these features work to give you a safe, soundless sleep so that you can enjoy a healthier quality of life.

We invite you to call our office today to schedule an appointment with our sleep dentist and learn more about how oral appliance therapy can benefit you!