Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) often can be successfully treated using a dental appliance for sleep apnea. In OSA the tongue falls back in the throat while sleeping and blocks the entrance to the lungs. The effect is similar to being strangled. A sudden lack of oxygen means death so the body responds by shaking and a patient can have many of these episodes during the night.

           A dental appliance for sleep apnea solves the tongue problem by holding the lower jaw forward and the tongue can not fall back into the throat. Many patients also have blocked nasal passages and are mouth breathers. Appliances made years ago were bulky, blocked the mouth, and were difficult to wear. New appliances are designed to overcome this problem and are easier to wear.

          The first step in constructing a dental appliance for sleep apnea is to take upper and lower impressions of the teeth to make plaster dental models. A knowledgeable dentist then determines how the upper and lower jaws should be positioned during sleep. A wax index is constructed showing this relationship and is tried in the patient's mouth to confirm that the patient can comfortably hold the jaws in this position. The models and wax index are sent to a laboratory technician trained to construct this dental device. Patients are asked to wear the appliance during the day so that the body gets used to it. After a period of time, the appliance is worn every night.

           If the appliance is successful, the patient feels much better. Interestingly, the OSA patient's sleeping partner often feels better because the dental appliance for sleep apnea often also eliminates the snoring associated with so many of these patient's problems. If you have a sleep apnea problem and would like to consult with our Sleep Apnea Dentist, Dr. Padolsky, make an appointment at 404-874-7428.