Oral Appliances: What They Are and How They Can Help You Sleep Better

If you suffer from snoring, sleep apnea, or other sleep-related breathing disorders, you may benefit from using an oral appliance. Oral appliances are a type of dental device that can help improve your breathing and sleep quality. In this blog post, we will discuss what oral appliances are, how they work, and how they can help you sleep better.

What Are Oral Appliances?

Oral appliances are custom-made devices that are worn in the mouth during sleep. They are designed to help keep the airway open and prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, which can cause snoring and sleep apnea. Oral appliances are similar to mouthguards or retainers and are made from soft, flexible materials that are comfortable to wear.

How Do Oral Appliances Work?

Oral appliances work by positioning the jaw in a slightly forward position, which helps keep the airway open and prevent snoring and sleep apnea. By holding the tongue and soft tissues in place, oral appliances can also reduce the risk of choking or gasping during sleep.

Oral appliances are typically recommended for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate or do not want to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. They can also be used in combination with CPAP therapy to help improve comfort and compliance.

How Can Oral Appliances Help You Sleep Better?

Oral appliances can help you sleep better by reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Snoring can disrupt your sleep and prevent you from getting the restful sleep you need. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, can cause you to stop breathing for brief periods during sleep, which can lead to fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and other health problems.

By improving your breathing and reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, oral appliances can help you wake up feeling more rested and refreshed. They can also improve your overall health by reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other sleep-related health problems.

In conclusion, oral appliances are a safe and effective way to treat snoring, sleep apnea, and other sleep-related breathing disorders. If you are struggling with sleep-related breathing problems, talk to your dentist or physician to see if an oral appliance is right for you. With the help of an oral appliance, you can sleep better and improve your overall health and quality of life.