While the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is beneficial for a variety of reasons, there is a chance that it still might not be the best solution for everyone. Most people feel that compared to CPAP, an oral appliance is very comfortable and easy to use. There are even social reasons that make oral appliances very appealing.
Oral appliance therapy offers increased mobility
For patients with sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can be extremely convenient and comfortable. I mean, who really wants to try to bring their CPAP machine with them on the road? No one—and we understand that. Oral appliances come in handy when it comes to the need for mobility.
Overall, these devices tend to be more economical and are generally a lot easier to tolerate and use. Still, there is no one-size-fits-all scenario and oral appliances work well by themselves in combination with other therapies.
Seek treatment as soon as possible
As soon as you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you should find out if you are a good candidate for an oral appliance. The best odds of success are for those who have mild to moderate sleep apnea—your sleep doctor can help you with understanding what type of sleep apnea you have.
When you are referred to a sleep study, it is important to be educated about all of the available options. There is very little downside to a properly fitted and adjusted oral appliance. All too often many patients have said that they wish someone had told them about oral appliance therapy sooner.
Contact Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information on oral appliance therapy and to learn if you are a candidate for this treatment.
