Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes the airway to become blocked or obstructed during sleep. This prevents the person from breathing, causing pauses in breathing or shallow breathing. These pauses in breathing can occur hundreds of times during a single night.

Sleep apnea is also associated with loud snoring, gasping, and choking sounds during sleep. It can cause people to feel fatigued and sleepy during the day, and in severe cases, it can lead to dangerous complications.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?

Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is a simple, easy-to-use,non-invasive, reversible treatment option. In mild cases, oral appliance therapy can reduce symptoms by repositioning the jaw so that the tongue and soft tissues do not block the airway.

OSA occurs when there is a partial or full blockage of the airway during sleep. This obstruction causes the patient to snore, gasp, and choke throughout the night. Oral appliance therapy relieves the obstruction of the airway, allowing the patient to breathe better through the night. This therapy is more comfortable than CPAP therapy, as the patient is able to sleep throughout the night without experiencing discomfort.

Oral appliance therapy involves using a specially designed oral appliance that is worn while sleeping to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This treatment is often recommended for those patients that cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

How Oral Appliances work?

Oral appliances hold the lower jaw forward which results in widening of the airway front to back and side to side.

They prevent airway obstruction by preventing the tongue and soft palate from flopping back into the throat and obstructing the airway

Types

• EMA Appliance

An EMA appliance is a removable, non-invasive oral appliance that is used to address the symptoms of sleep apnea, like snoring. EMA is one of the two most popular appliances. The device is positioned among the mandible via elastic straps bilaterally connected to buttons on the appliance, opening the airway to help prevent or reduce snoring. With the EMA appliance, its bands must be replaced on average every four weeks. Patients choose EMA appliances because of the following reasons:

• least bulky
• most comfortable
• the patient can adjust settings themselves

• DreamTAP Appliance

The dreamTAP appliance is the #1 used appliance for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) when insurance dictates the kind of appliance they cover. A constricted or collapsed airway causes snoring and sleep apnea; the dreamTap device addresses these conditions by keeping the airway open, thus allowing air to pass. The device helps reduce several health risks associated with sleep apnea without the need for surgery, medications, or any cumbersome therapy. One major reason patients choose this device is because of the comfort it offers. However, this device forces the mouth to be open more than other types of appliances. 

• Monoblock

A monoblock is a fused-together appliance that holds the jaw where we put it. It is an adjustable appliance and not a fixed one; however, the adjustments can only be made in the office. Insurance does not cover this appliance. 

• Panthera

D-SAD Mandibular Advancement Devices from Panthera Sleep are discreet, comfortable, and custom-made sleep apnea devices that ensure optimum comfort without interfering with the patient's drinking and speaking ability. This innovative solution is made from dental impressions using state-of-the-art technology. It helps eliminate snoring and improves sleep and overall quality of life. 

OAT Advantages

Oral appliances are a great option for people who snore or suffer from sleep apnea. For people who snore, oral appliances treat the obstruction and vibration that causes snoring. The appliance moves the lower jaw slightly forward, which opens the airway for breathing and prevents snoring. For patients with sleep apnea, the oral appliance repositions the tongue and lower jaw forward, which stops the obstruction that causes the airway to collapse.

Is OAT Right for Me?

Oral appliance therapy is a viable treatment option for sleep apneic patients. It is non-invasive and easy to wear, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer not to undergo surgery or CPAP therapy.

To learn more about our procedures, call Sleep Health Partners at (971) 339-0816 or visit us at 9370 SW Greenburg Rd, Suite 422 Rd Suite 422, Portland, 97223.</strong >