CPAP Machines or Oral Appliance? Treating Sleep Apnea

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is the most commonly recommended treatment for sleep apnea. However, while extremely effective, the CPAP does not work for everyone. When a patient does not take well to the CPAP, a dentist who specializes in sleep therapy may recommend an oral appliance.

Dental appliances for sleep apnea

Oral appliances work best for individuals with mild to moderate cases of OSA, and a dentist may only recommend this treatment after a patient has given the CPAP a solid try. To determine the severity of a patient's case, a sleep specialist — which may or may not be a dentist — will perform a sleep study to determine if an oral appliance is a viable treatment option. If it is, the dentist will recommend one of two types of devices: the mandibular advancement device or a tongue retaining mouthpiece.

Upon first glance, one might assume that a MAD is a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer, as it looks very similar construction-wise to the latter two devices. MADs also work like a mouthguard or retainer, as a patient can fit it into the mouth by snapping the device over the upper and lower dental arches. Metal hinges connect the two pieces. Most MADs can be adjusted by a dentist to provide for maximum effectiveness.

MADs work by thrusting the tongue and lower jaw slightly forward. This position keeps the throat muscles from folding in on themselves during sleep and thereby allow a person to breathe easily at night.

If a patient's jaw cannot be repositioned forward, the dentist may recommend a tongue retaining mouthpiece. This piece is similar in nature to the MAD except that it has a small compartment that sucks the tongue forward, thereby preventing it from collapsing back into the airway.

Oral appliance vs. CPAP

The CPAP machine and oral appliances are vastly different in function and nature. Below are just a few key differences.

CPAP

The CPAP machine utilizes a tube and mask that are worn over the nose and mouth. Air pressure then forces air through the obstruction. This device is large and bulky and comes with several adapters and electrical cords. It typically also comes with a large case, making it difficult for people to travel with it. Many patients report that the mouthpiece is uncomfortable, and because the machine is noisy, it may be difficult at first to fall asleep with it. 

Oral appliance

As mentioned above, dental appliances are more like mouthguards. They are small, unencumbering devices with which one can easily travel. Oral appliances do not require electricity, and they are not noisy. Most patients claim they are able to easily adjust to the oral device and fall asleep at night.

Both types of treatment options are typically covered by medical insurance. However, one should always discuss coverage with their dentist before opting for any form of treatment.

Conclusion

Whether or not one should get treated for sleep apnea should never be a question. How one should get treated, however, can be, as there are a few different treatment options. Both the CPAP machine and oral devices are effective and come with their pros and cons. Discuss your options with your dentist during your next appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://stonecanyondental.com or call Stone Canyon Dental at (972) 996-3191 for an appointment in our Sunnyvale office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Denture Care: Why Is It Not Recommended To Keep Your Dentures In All The Time

Whether to take your dentures out or keep them in all the time is a common dental question that arises about denture care. It is important to note that proper denture care starts with removing your dentures for at least six to eight hours daily. The best time for this period to occur is overnight…

The Dos And Don’ts Of Denture Care

Dentures are an excellent alternative to natural teeth, and denture care is as simple and easy as traditional dental care. This is particularly true for those who have lost all of their teeth or those who may be missing one or more front teeth due to an injury. But with any dental product, some precautions…

Denture Care: How Long Should You Keep New Dentures In?

One of the most common questions that dentists receive about denture care from new denture wearers is if they can keep them in all the time. The short answer is no. Understandably, you may not feel quite like yourself when you take them out, but proper denture care involves removing them once a day for…

General Dentistry: Give Your Dental Health A Boost By Visiting A Dentist

You might think that if you are diligent about brushing and flossing at home, you can visit a dentist's office less often. However, general dentistry professionals agree that regularly visiting a dentist is important for your dental and overall health, even with good oral hygiene. In addition, there are numerous reasons it is a good…

Recent Posts

Denture Care: Why Is It Not Recommended To Keep Your Dentures In All The Time

Denture Care: Why Is It Not Recommended To Keep Your Dentures In All The Time

Whether to take your dentures out or keep them in all the time is a common dental question that arises about denture care. It is important to note that proper denture care starts with removing your dentures for at least six to eight hours daily. The best time for this period to occur is overnight…

The Dos And Don’ts Of Denture Care

The Dos And Don’ts Of Denture Care

Dentures are an excellent alternative to natural teeth, and denture care is as simple and easy as traditional dental care. This is particularly true for those who have lost all of their teeth or those who may be missing one or more front teeth due to an injury. But with any dental product, some precautions…

HOURS: MON 8AM-5PM TUES 8AM-4PM WED 8AM-4PM THURS 8AM-4PM FRI 8AM – NOON