6 Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where people stop and start breathing repeatedly while sleeping. If you snore loudly and wake up tired even after a full night's sleep, you may have sleep apnea. Among various treatment options, oral appliances have emerged as an effective solution for many sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). 

Steven Wilk, DDS, and our team here at Denver Sleep Apnea in Denver, Colorado, highlight six advantages of using oral appliances to manage sleep apnea symptoms here.

1. Comfort and ease of use

One of the most significant advantages of oral appliance therapy is the comfort and ease of use it offers. Unlike continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable, oral appliances are small, lightweight, and easy to wear. 

Oral appliances fit inside your mouth, similar to a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer, making them less intrusive and more comfortable for nightly use.

2. Portability for travel

The compact size of oral appliances makes them easy to pack and carry on any trip, eliminating the need to transport bulky CPAP equipment. This portability ensures you can maintain your treatment routine comfortably and conveniently, regardless of your location.

3. Simplicity

Oral appliances don’t require electricity, making them incredibly simple to use. There's no need to adjust your sleeping position or worry about power outlets, which is often the case with CPAP machines. 

The simplicity of oral devices extends to their maintenance as well; oral appliances are easy to clean and don’t require the regular replacement of parts, unlike their CPAP counterparts. This convenience can significantly enhance your overall treatment experience.

4. Silent operation

CPAP machines, although effective, can produce noise that might disturb your sleep or that of your partner. Oral appliances, on the other hand, are noise-free, promoting a more peaceful and uninterrupted sleep environment for everyone.

5. Effectiveness for mild to moderate sleep apnea

Research and clinical trials have shown that oral appliance therapy is highly effective in treating mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. By gently repositioning your jaw forward, oral appliances help keep your airway open during sleep, significantly reducing or eliminating the frequency of breathing pauses. 

The effectiveness of oral appliances can lead to a dramatic improvement in your sleep quality and overall health and well-being.

6. Improved compliance rates

Oral appliance therapy boasts higher compliance rates compared to CPAP therapy. Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable and convenient than other sleep apnea options, which translates to more consistent use. 

Improved compliance not only enhances the effectiveness of treatment but also contributes to better long-term outcomes for sleep apnea sufferers.

Find out if you can benefit from oral appliance therapy

Denver Sleep Apnea specializes in providing personalized sleep apnea treatments, including the design and fitting of custom oral appliances. 

If you struggle with sleep apnea and would like to find out if oral appliance therapy could be the key to a better night's sleep and a healthier life for you, schedule an appointment with us today by calling our office at 303-758-4865 or using our online scheduling tool.