Sleep Apnea
Relief from sleep apnea without CPAP masks or tubes.
CPAP masks are uncomfortable and difficult to sleep with
Did you know that there is another option?
Roughly 1 in 15 Americans is affected by obstructive sleep apnea. It’s not only a life-threatening condition with long-term effects on your heart, but it also can make it difficult for you or your bed-partner to sleep soundly.
New Oral Sleep Appliances have been approved by the FDA to treat sleep apnea without any cumbersome cords or restrictive masks. Take back control of your sleep and find relief with a custom-made appliance designed to treat your sleep apnea.
Oral Sleep Apnea Appliances
Mandibular Advancement Devices, also known as MADs or Sleep Apnea Appliances, work by gently holding your jaw forward while you sleep. This prevents your tongue from blocking your airway, reducing snoring and allowing you and your bed-partner to sleep peacefully.
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine recommends a “titratable” or adjustable appliance. This allows for tiny adjustments to be made to the appliance to control the exact amount of movement required to help you sleep better. This is able to be done without over stretching, causing pain or other side effects.
At Midwest Jaw Relief, we conduct a full examination to make certain that Oral Sleep Appliance therapy is right for you. We then work with you to choose the specific type of appliance that will fit best in your mouth. After we hand over your oral appliance, we have regular follow ups to adjust the appliance and monitor for any changes.
“My sleep (and my partner’s sleep) has drastically improved since seeing Dr.Guthrie. I knew I wasn’t getting a one-size-fits all appliance, but a custom one for my mouth which made all the difference. “
FAQs
How do Oral Sleep Appliances work?
Sleep Appliances, work by gently holding your jaw forward while you sleep, preventing your tongue from blocking your airway, reducing snoring and allowing you and your bed-partner to sleep peacefully. They generally have adjustable mechanisms that allow detailed control of how far forward we set your jaw at night.
Are Oral Sleep Appliances effective?
Sleep Apnea Appliances are about as effective as as CPAP therapy, if you consider the total-use-time. If you use your oral sleep appliance for 8 hours every night, and only used your CPAP machine for 3-4 hours before taking it off, the oral appliance gives you better overall results.
Survey research shows that after an extended period of time, only around 17% of people consistently use their CPAP machine, whereas over 77% of people still like using their oral sleep appliances every night.
Can I use an Oral Sleep Appliance if I have Jaw Pain?
Yes, in many cases these appliances can be used instead of a regular bite guard, to help control pain.
What are the side effects of Oral Sleep Appliances?
In general, patients may notice an increase in drooling, or on the other hand, dry mouth. Patients may also notice a temporary increase in jaw soreness, but this tends to not last more than 2 weeks.
In rare cases, patients can experience changes in their bite due to changes in muscle length. We give each patient a custom Morning Aligner Appliance that can reduce the chance of any bite changes occurring.
How long does it take to get my appliance?
After your initial visit, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for the lab to make your appliance. On your second visit – we check the fit, make any necessary adjustments and then send you home with your new appliance.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
You will need bring a completed report from your sleep study. If you have not already had a sleep study, we can give you instructions on how to schedule one with your doctor, or provide referrals to a sleep clinic.
If you are able to bring a copy of your Panoramic Xray from your dentist, that will also reduce the cost of your initial visit.
How often do I have to come in to treat my Sleep Apnea?
In the beginning, we recommend returning to the clinic every 2 weeks, to adjust the appliance and monitor for side effects. These appointments are included in the price of your appliance.
Once we have your appliance extended to the proper setting, we only need to see you once per year to check that the appliance is still functioning properly.
It's easy to get started.
1.
Book a new patient appointment with Dr. Guthrie
2.
Get an detailed exam including a digital scan of your mouth
3.
Experience quiet, restful sleep without needing a CPAP machine