Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a condition in which the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse during sleep, partially or completely blocking the airway. This causes repeated pauses in breathing that can last ten seconds or longer and may occur dozens of times per hour. The brain responds by briefly waking you, often without your awareness, to restore airflow.
The result is fragmented sleep that can leave you feeling exhausted. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and daytime fatigue. OSA is a common condition, and many cases remain undiagnosed.
At West Chester Family Dentistry, we offer oral appliance therapy for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. A sleep apnea diagnosis from a physician is required before treatment.
- Affects over 54 million U.S. adults
- Linked to heart disease and high blood pressure
- Causes daytime fatigue and poor concentration
- Often undiagnosed without proper screening
- Treatable with custom oral appliances
- Covered by many medical insurance plans
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
An oral appliance is a custom-made device similar to a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer. It is worn during sleep and works by gently holding your lower jaw in a slightly forward position, which prevents the airway from collapsing. Here is how we get you started:
- Your physician diagnoses sleep apnea through a sleep study and prescribes oral appliance therapy.
- We take precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth to fabricate a custom-fitted device.
- At your fitting appointment, we adjust the appliance for comfort and demonstrate how to use and care for it.
- Follow-up visits allow us to fine-tune the jaw position and verify the appliance is effectively reducing your sleep apnea events.
Oral Appliance vs. CPAP
Both are effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. Your sleep physician and our team will help determine which is right for you:
Oral Appliance
Compact, silent, travel-friendly. Custom fit. Best for mild to moderate OSA or CPAP-intolerant patients.
CPAP Machine
Gold standard for severe OSA. Delivers pressurized air through a mask. Higher efficacy, but lower adherence.
Combination Therapy
Some patients use both: CPAP at home and an oral appliance for travel or nights when CPAP feels burdensome.
Who Benefits from Oral Appliance Therapy
Both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine include oral appliance therapy in their treatment guidelines for obstructive sleep apnea. Which option is right for you depends on the severity of your diagnosis, your tolerance for each approach, and your physician's recommendation.
You may be a good candidate for oral appliance therapy if you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, if you cannot tolerate CPAP, or if you travel frequently and need a portable solution. Patients with severe OSA who struggle with CPAP adherence may also benefit from a combination approach.
Our team works closely with your sleep physician to ensure your treatment is effective. We monitor your progress through follow-up appointments and can adjust the appliance as needed to maintain optimal results.
Living With an Oral Appliance
Oral appliances are small, custom-fitted devices worn only at night. They are easy to travel with, require no power source or tubing, and are adjusted over time based on how your jaw and airway respond.
Results depend on the severity of your condition and how consistently the appliance is worn. Your sleep physician remains the lead on your diagnosis and overall response to treatment.
If you or your partner suspect sleep apnea, the first step is a conversation with your physician. Once you have a diagnosis, call us at 513-755-2118 to schedule a consultation at our West Chester office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment
Yes. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea from a physician, typically through a sleep study, is required before we can prescribe and fit an oral appliance. We can help coordinate this process if you have not yet been evaluated.
The device gently repositions your lower jaw forward while you sleep. This keeps the airway open and reduces or eliminates the breathing interruptions that characterize obstructive sleep apnea.
Because it is custom-made from impressions of your teeth, the appliance is designed to fit precisely, similar in feel to a retainer. There is usually a short adjustment period as you get used to wearing it overnight.
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance can be an effective primary treatment. For severe cases, it may be used as a supplement or an alternative when CPAP is not tolerated. Your sleep physician and our team will determine the best approach.
With proper care, a custom oral appliance typically lasts three to five years. We monitor its condition and fit at your regular dental visits and can make adjustments as needed.
Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea. Our office can help verify your benefits and assist with the documentation needed for coverage.