Oral Appliances

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices can’t address the underlying causes of sleep apnea, snoring, and other sleep-related disorders. At Denver Sleep Apnea in Denver, Colorado, triple board-certified sleep apnea specialist Steven Wilk, DDS, uses oral appliances to target the underlying causes of common sleep disorders for lasting relief and improved sleep quality. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are oral appliances?

Oral appliances are dental devices that treat sleep-related disorders. They hold your tongue or jaw in place to prevent snoring, daytime fatigue, mood swings, and many other uncomfortable symptoms. An oral appliance is an effective alternative if you don’t want or can’t tolerate a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

Triple board-certified sleep apnea specialist Dr. Wilk specializes in creating custom-made oral appliances that minimize sleep disorder symptoms so you can experience quality rest. 

Are there different types of oral appliances?

The two most effective types of oral appliances are:

Mandibular advancement device (MAD) 

MADs gently push the mandible (lower jaw) forward during sleep. This forward movement helps open the upper airway, preventing its collapse and reducing the likelihood of snoring and other sleep disorders. MADs are adjustable to accommodate your comfort and effectiveness, providing a customized solution.

Tongue-retaining device (TRD)

A TRD secures the tongue in a forward position during sleep. By preventing the tongue from falling backward and obstructing the airway, TRDs help maintain an open and unobstructed passage for air to flow, reducing snoring and other sleep disorder symptoms. 

TRDs are typically simple in design and don’t involve repositioning your jaw, making them suitable if you find MADs uncomfortable or prefer an alternative solution.

Which sleep disorders can oral appliances address?

Oral appliances can effectively treat:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Oral appliances reposition the jaw or tongue, preventing airway collapse and promoting unobstructed breathing during sleep. They offer a less invasive alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, providing increased comfort. They are also very portable.

Snoring

Oral appliances can reduce or eliminate snoring by preventing the collapse of your upper airway and minimizing the vibrations of your throat tissues. These devices may help you if you snore but may not have obstructive sleep apnea.

What are the benefits of oral appliances?

Oral appliances offer many benefits over other treatments for snoring and sleep apnea, including:

• Enhanced comfort
• Portability
• Customization
• Adjustability
• Dental compatibility

An oral appliance targets the underlying cause of sleep disorders, offering a comfortable solution that lasts. Call Denver Sleep Apnea today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.