Herbie Murray
Oral appliances are a possible treatment for snoring and sleep apnea, which work by holding the lower jaw in a forward position during sleep. There are two main types: mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs). MADs are the most common type and work by pulling the lower jaw forward, which in turn pulls the tongue forward, creating more space for airflow in the back of the throat. TSDs, on the other hand, pull the tongue forward using suction.
While oral appliances can be effective in treating sleep apnea, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These include excess saliva, pain in the jaw, teeth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), changes in bite, and movement or loosening of teeth. These side effects are usually mild and tend to go away over time, but it's important to consult a dentist if they persist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To treat sleep apnea and snoring by keeping the airway open |
| Mechanism | Pulling the jaw or tongue forward |
| Types | Mandibular advancement devices (MADs), tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs), mouth guards, hybrid oral appliances |
| Advantages | Comfortable, easy to use, portable, cost-effective, easy to clean and maintain |
| Disadvantages | Potential side effects include jaw pain, tooth movement, drooling, and TMJ disturbances |
| Customisation | Custom-fitted to the patient's mouth by a dentist |
| Usage | Worn during sleep, ideally every night |
| Effectiveness | Highly effective in treating snoring and interrupted breathing |
| Cost | Similar to other apnea treatments; may be covered by insurance |
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What You'll Learn
- Oral appliances for sleep apnea: These devices can help keep your airway open while you sleep
- Mandibular advancement devices: These devices pull the lower jaw forward, opening the airway
- Tongue-stabilizing devices: These devices pull the tongue forward, preventing it from falling back into the throat
- Side effects of oral appliances: These can include tooth pain, jaw pain, and excessive salivation
- Oral appliance therapy: This involves wearing a custom-fitted device during sleep to treat sleep apnea and improve symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness
Oral appliances for sleep apnea: These devices can help keep your airway open while you sleep
Oral appliances for sleep apnea are dental devices or mouthpieces that help keep the airway open during sleep. They work by pulling the jaw or tongue forward, preventing the tongue from blocking the airway and creating more space for airflow at the back of the throat.
There are two main types of oral appliances for treating sleep apnea: mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs). MADs are the most common type, and they work by pulling the lower jaw forward. TSDs, on the other hand, use suction to pull the tongue forward and hold it in place.
Oral appliances are typically recommended for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who cannot tolerate or prefer an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. While CPAP is considered the most effective treatment for improving airflow, oral appliances offer a more comfortable and portable option for those who find CPAP challenging to use consistently.
It is important to note that oral appliances may cause side effects such as increased saliva production, jaw pain, tooth discomfort, and changes in bite or tooth movement over time. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a dentist or sleep specialist to determine the most suitable treatment option and ensure proper fitting and monitoring of potential side effects.
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Mandibular advancement devices: These devices pull the lower jaw forward, opening the airway
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They work by pulling the lower jaw forward, which in turn pulls the tongue forward and opens up the airway, preventing the throat from closing and thus reducing snoring and sleep apnea. They are usually made up of two parts, one for the top teeth and one for the bottom, connected by screws, hinges, or rubber bands.
MADs are a good option for people with mild to moderate OSA who cannot use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which is the most common treatment. CPAP machines keep the airways open by sending pressurised air through them, but many people find them challenging to use every night. MADs are also useful for people who want to try an oral appliance but cannot use a CPAP machine, such as those whose teeth are not strong enough to hold a CPAP machine in place.
MADs can be custom-made to fit a person's mouth, or bought over the counter. Custom-made MADs are considered to be more effective, but over-the-counter MADs can be fitted by exposing them to hot water to make the material pliable, then biting down on the mould.
There are some side effects to using MADs, including discomfort in the jaw and mouth area, hypersalivation, and jaw pain. These side effects are usually mild, but they can sometimes lead people to stop treatment.
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Tongue-stabilizing devices: These devices pull the tongue forward, preventing it from falling back into the throat
Tongue-stabilizing devices (TSDs) are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by pulling the tongue forward with suction, preventing it from collapsing into the airway and blocking airflow. They are also known as tongue-retaining devices (TRDs).
TSDs are typically recommended for those who cannot tolerate standard OSA treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, or whose teeth are not strong enough to support a mandibular advancement device (MAD). They are also available over the counter.
To use a TSD, it should be rinsed with hot water to make the plastic more flexible, then placed in the mouth before sleeping and removed in the morning. TSDs should be cleaned daily with hot water to prevent infection and reduce unpleasant odours, and weekly or monthly with a denture-cleaning solution. They should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Potential side effects of TSDs include the device coming loose during the night, an unpleasant sensation on the tip of the tongue, increased salivation and drooling, difficulty swallowing, and tongue discolouration. If you experience difficulty breathing with the device in place, you should not use it.
There have been several clinical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of TSDs in treating OSA. One study found that the apnea-hypopnea index decreased from 38 to 14 when patients used a TSD, while another found a 69% positive response rate.
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Side effects of oral appliances: These can include tooth pain, jaw pain, and excessive salivation
Oral appliances are a possible treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. They work by holding the lower jaw in a forward position during sleep, which opens up the airway. While oral appliances are a good treatment option for some patients, they do come with certain side effects.
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is one of the most common side effects of oral appliances. This is usually caused by the pressure of the appliance on the teeth. In some cases, the pressure can be strong enough to cause tooth movements, which can change a person's bite. Tooth movements can also occur because the forces applied to the teeth, while not excessive, are applied for long periods of time while the patient sleeps.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is another common side effect of oral appliances. This is often due to the appliance pulling the lower jaw forward, which can cause strain on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In some cases, jaw pain may be accompanied by ear pain, as the TMJ is located close to the ear.
Excessive Salivation
Excessive salivation, or drooling, is also a common side effect of oral appliances. This is because the appliance can stimulate the production of saliva. In some cases, this may be due to the patient sleeping with their mouth open, which can be addressed by using elastics on the device to help keep the mouth closed.
While these side effects are usually minor and transient, it is important to consult a dentist or sleep medicine provider if they persist or become severe.
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Oral appliance therapy: This involves wearing a custom-fitted device during sleep to treat sleep apnea and improve symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves wearing a custom-fitted device during sleep to treat sleep apnea and improve symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness. These devices are typically fitted by dentists and are designed to support the jaw in a forward position, thereby keeping the airway open.
There are two main types of oral appliances used to treat OSA: mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs). MADs are the most common type and work by pulling the lower jaw forward, which in turn pulls the tongue forward and creates more space for airflow. TRDs, on the other hand, hold the tongue in a forward position using suction.
Oral appliance therapy is often recommended for those with mild to moderate OSA who cannot tolerate or prefer an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. It is also a good option for those who travel frequently, as the devices are easy to carry. Additionally, oral appliances have a higher compliance rate compared to CPAP therapy.
While oral appliance therapy is effective, it may cause some side effects. Short-term side effects include increased saliva production, pain in the jaw, teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Long-term side effects, which are uncommon with proper appliance use, include changes in the bite, movement of teeth, and changes in jaw muscles or TMJ.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if oral appliance therapy is the best treatment option for you. They will consider the severity of your OSA, your preferences, and your lifestyle to make a personalized recommendation.
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Frequently asked questions
Side effects of oral sleep appliances include:
- Excessive salivation
- Tooth or jaw pain
- Changes in your bite
- Loose teeth
- Temporomandibular joint disturbances
- Drooling
These side effects are usually mild and short-term, but if you experience any of them, you should consult your dentist.
You should feel more rested and sleep through the night without any sudden awakenings. Your partner may also notice that you've stopped snoring. The most definitive way to tell if an oral appliance is working is by undergoing a follow-up sleep study.
Oral sleep appliances can last for years, but this depends on the type of appliance and how well you take care of it. Tooth grinding and excess wear and tear may shorten its lifespan, and you may need to get it repaired or reinforced periodically.
