Do you wake up tired every day? Do other people tell you that you snore while you sleep?
If your answer is yes, you might benefit from using a custom-made sleep apnoea dental appliance. Sleep apnoea can have a huge impact on your life. If it's left untreated it can lead to more serious health issues. Sleep apnoea is a common condition that causes you to stop breathing during your sleep. Typically, symptoms include snoring, not feel refreshed when you wake up and daytime sleepiness. Even though you stop breathing, briefly and often, you’re not usually aware of it.
Sleep apnoea appliances can be a very effective way to treat sleep apnoea. People often notice results immediately after their first use. They can help with both snoring and insomnia, contributing to improved sleep and restored health.
What is it?
Sleep apnoea appliances are designed to help treat sleep apnoea and similar sleeping conditions. They are worn through the night and work by helping to hold your jaw in a forward position to keep your airways open. This allows you to breathe normally. It also prevents loud snoring, or the disruptive waking caused by sleep apnoea.
Custom-made sleep apnoea appliances need to be fitted by a dentist or orthodontist. Because they are individually fitted for you, they are comfortable and easy to wear. Unlike other sleep apnoea solutions such as CPAP machines, they are very portable and easy to care for.
Need to know
Appointments
- At least 2 appointments
- At the first consultation visit your dentist will talk to you about the treatment, benefits, potential risks, and answer any questions you may have
- Your dentist will do a full examination of your mouth, teeth, jaw, tongue and airway. They may also take x-rays
- At the second visit your custom-made appliance will be fitted
- To get the best performance from your appliance you will need regular follow-up dentist appointments
- Your dentist may need to adjust your appliance at these visits
How long it takes
- It will usually take a couple of weeks for your appliance to be custom-made
- The first consultation visit will usually take around 60 minutes
- The second visit, including fitting your appliance, will usually take around 60 minutes
- Follow up appointments will usually take around 15 to 30 minutes
You may be asked about
- Your dental history and medical history
- The problems you are experiencing from sleep apnoea or another sleep condition
Before your appointment
- No special preparation needed
After your appointment
- You should be able to carry on as normal
- You will likely feel a little bit of discomfort while you get used to the appliance
- You will need to follow the care procedure advised by your dentist or orthodontist
Quick tip
Many people notice a difference after the first night wearing their sleep apnoea appliance. Your dentist will make sure your appliance is designed to suit your needs.
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Have questions?
The price of a sleep apnoea dental appliance will vary depending on the length of treatment. If you have medical insurance, your appliance could be covered by your policy. At the first consultation visit your dentist will be able to give you an estimate of the overall cost of treatment.
No, not usually. Sleep apnoea dental appliances usually feel similar to wearing a mouthguard or orthodontic plate. You shouldn’t feel any pain wearing your appliance. However it is normal to feel some discomfort while you get used to wearing the appliance.
Like many dental treatments there are some side effects of using sleep apnoea dental appliances. These side effects are more common after prolonged use. Some of the risks from prolonged use include teeth shifting and jaw problems such as Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).That’s why regular dentist visits are important. Your dentists can assess your teeth and help prevent issues from the use of your appliance from occurring.
Sleep apnoea dental appliances can be very effective and often people notice improvement after the first night wearing their appliance. However, as with most treatments, not everyone will experience the same benefits. Some people will see better or quicker results than others. Dental appliances are usually more beneficial for the treatment of mild or moderate sleep apnoea.
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