DENTAL SLEEP MEDICINE ORAL APPLIANCE OPTIONS FOR SLEEP APNEA IN THE RALEIGH NC AREA

Do you have sleep apnea and are unable to use CPAP? Dr. Jamison Spencer, Lane & Associates’ Director of Dental Sleep Medicine is excited to share that you may have other options in treating your sleep apnea.

“It’s this simple and comfortable dental appliance similar to an athletic mouthguard and treatment is usually covered by your medical insurance.”

SLEEP TREATMENTS

Oral appliances are simple in how they function as sleep treatments. An oral appliance keeps the airway open by keeping the lower jaw and tongue from falling back and blocking the airway. This is similar to the “head tilt, chin lift” procedure taught in CPR classes. While there are many appliances on the market, they all basically do the same thing—keep the airway open by preventing the jaw from falling back.

Oral appliances are made out of a variety of materials—most being adjustable. The sleep treatment appliance being adjustable is important so that an effective jaw position can be found. In our offices, patients are routinely scheduled for follow up sleep studies during which the appliance can be adjusted by the sleep technician to ensure that the appliance is working as well as possible.

TYPES OF APPLIANCES

MEDICAL DENTAL SLEEP APPLIANCE (MDSA)

A safe and effective treatment for snoring, and mild to moderate sleep apnea. The laboratory made MDSA holds the jaw and tongue forward and prevents the throat from collapsing during sleep.

The MDSA is scientifically proven as an effective method for treating snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. The MDSA is an alternative therapy when other treatments that involve nasal CPAP or surgery are not accepted. Some types of MDSA’s are listed below.

ELASTIC MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT (EMA) or HERBST APPLIANCE

One of the most comfortable of the oral appliances for sleep treatments of sleep apnea and snoring. It is made with a very thin and comfortable material, along with elastic bands that allow for a good range of motion; with the ability to easily speak and drink while the appliance is in place.

The EMA can be adjusted by using different lengths of bands. The bands also come in different densities which allows for a custom, comfortable fit.

At Lane & Associates, we offer the Herbst SomnoDent Appliance. The SomnoDent Herbst oral device has been proven to be an effective treatment for bruxism, chronic snoring and/or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea sufferers. This appliance allows patients to move laterally and vertically without disengaging the appliance.

SOMNOMED (DORSAL) APPLIANCE

A relatively new appliance on the market. Its strong point is the fact that it is very smooth and comfortable. It is unique in that the upper and the lower component of the appliance are not connected, as with other appliances. This allows for the full opening of the mouth. The SomnoMed can also be adjusted.

A SomnoDent sleep apnea oral appliance is a premium, custom-fitted dental device developed for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. It is an effective, comfortable, and durable alternative to CPAP therapy or corrective surgery. By simply wearing a SomnoDent while sleeping, your lower jaw (mandible) will be moved forward into a comfortable position, allowing relaxation of the tissues at the back of your throat and ensuring the base of your tongue does not collapse and block your airway, giving you a safe and soundless sleep.

If you or someone you know are tired of being tired, talk to your medical doctor about trying a dental appliance or call us today at Lane & Associates Dental Sleep Medicine!