Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or instances of low breathing during sleep. There are 3 types of Sleep Apnea: Central Sleep Apnea(CSA), Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA) and Complex Sleep Apnea, which is a combination of OSA and CSA. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common. Though a CPAP (continuous
positive air pressure) device is used to treat the moderate and severe forms of the condition, mild forms of OSA can be treated with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).
At our office, we screen patients for Sleep Apnea and recommend an evaluation by a specialist if needed. We provide OAT for Sleep Apnea in conjunction with patient’s Sleep Physician. The oral appliance used to manage sleep apnea, called a mandibular advancement splint, is a custom made mouth piece. It is adjusted over a period of a few weeks to move the jaw forward comfortably while the patient sleeps. This opens up the airway allowing unrestricted flow of air.
Occlusal Splint Therapy (Night guard)
For patients who have a habit of clenching and grinding their teeth we offer occlusal splint therapy. Clenching and grinding our teeth is para-functional activity that can result in tooth damage, headaches, and pain in the jaw joint or in the head and neck area. In many instances, patients are unaware of clenching and grinding their teeth. Each patient is evaluated at their first appointment. An Occlusal splint, or night guard, is recommended if deemed necessary. This helps prevent further damage and alleviates symptoms.