Oral appliance therapy is an alternative to C.P.A.P. treatment for many people with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (1).
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is divided into Mild, Moderate and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, based on patient presentation, clinical symptoms and sleep testing. There are patients who also present with central sleep apnoea. The management of patients with central sleep apnoea requires very precise and detailed medical management and ongoing care by their diagnosing physician.
Oral appliance therapy is highly effective in the management of mild and moderate sleep apnoea and in many cases where CPAP cannot be tolerated by the patient with severe obstructive sleep apnoea, as assessed by the patient diagnosing physician.
Oral Appliance systems are a specially designed device systems, worn while sleeping. They are designed to be worn comfortably in the mouth, maintaining the Oropharynx (the airway) open, facilitating optimised nighttime oxygenation, the main concern in the management of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
Mandibular Advancement Device Systems, also known as Oral Appliance therapy are designed to move the lower jaw slightly forward, in a planned and managed way to optimally open the airway overnight. Device design systems are medically approved and come in a range of designs and materials.
Maintaining a detailed reposition of the jaw and tongue, Oral Appliance therapy prevents the muscles in the back of the throat (Oropharynx) from positioning inwards, obstructing the airway. This precise management of each patient is important in avoiding any symptoms which may be associated with oral appliance therapy, for example, tenderness in jaw joints, dental sensitivity and changes in saliva production, all precisely managed by a Dentist educated and experienced in oral appliance therapy. www.beacondentalsleep.ie
In order to be optimally effective, especially in patients who have a diagnosis of Sleep Apnoea, the medical care and specialist dental collaboration is central in patient care management. Precision Oral Appliance therapy design, manufacture and fitting, along with planned and incremental device system adjustment (s) are central to the success of each patient’s Oral appliance therapy in the management of their presenting symptoms.
For more information how we can help you or a loved one get a better night’s sleep, get in touch with us at the Beacon Dental Sleep Clinic, via email at info@beacondentalsleep.ie or call 01 5310088
1 García, N. M., Blaya, F., Urquijo, E. L., Heras, E. S., & D’Amato, R. (2019). Oral appliance for obstructive sleep apnea: Prototyping and optimization of the mandibular protrusion device. Journal of Medical Systems, 43(5), 107.
