How to Know If You Can Use a Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be a life-threatening condition, so it's important to seek treatment of it immediately. One popular and effective mode of treatment is a dental appliance that helps remove obstructions so you can breathe smoothly and regularly as you sleep. Though the appliances are effective in treating sleep apnea, not everyone is able to use one for treatment.
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Instructions
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Check your facial profile for a quick self-test. Dental appliances work best in people who have small chins and jawlines that are parallel to the ground. You also need to have teeth that are in good health. If you don't meet these three qualities, you may still be a candidate for a dental appliance.
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Obtain a full examination of your mouth, including an examination of your teeth, gums and jaw bone. For a dental appliance to help you with sleep apnea, your mouth needs to be healthy and strong enough to hold the appliance.
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Get a screening of your throat and jaw hinge, which is generally done through acoustic sonography and radiography. This screening will help determine whether your airway is somewhat blocked by your jaw and whether opening the jaw would improve your condition.
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Consider your own comfort level and preferences if your doctor lets you know that the test results indicate you're a good candidate for a dental appliance. You must be willing to commit to wearing the appliance nightly.
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Choose from a range of dental appliances by discussing options with your doctor. You can also raise any concerns you may have about a dental appliance. Because there are many options available, you're likely to find one that meets your needs.
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Go to the follow-up visits that your doctor schedules. These visits are necessary for monitoring the effectiveness of the dental appliance in treating your sleep apnea.
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Tips & Warnings
A dental appliance is generally recommended after a patient has tried CPAP therapy without success, or if the patient cannot use this therapy.
In rare cases, wearing a dental appliance can make your sleep apnea worse. Let your doctor know immediately if you don't think the appliance is working, and be sure to attend follow-up visits after you get the appliance. A dental appliance may change your bite. Discuss this potential change with your dentist if you are worried about this side effect.
