Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

When a sleeping person stops breathing for 10 or more seconds, they have “apnea.” OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, is one type of sleep apnea. Lack of adequate breath during sleep reduces airflow, causing the brain to tell the body to wake up and breathe. In some cases, sleep apnea patients only move into a lighter stage of sleep, while other times, patients wake completely. Disrupted deep sleep can affect mood, health, and cause daytime sleepiness. The added stress and fatigue can cause lack of concentration, loss of memory, and accidents in the workplace or while driving. Other health risks include high blood pressure and heart problems, and even a risk of premature death.

When you are awake, your tongue and the soft tissues at the back of your throat maintain an open air passage so you can breathe easily. As you fall asleep, your tongue and soft palate relax. If they relax too much or drop back into your throat, they can narrow or block the airway. This can cause problems ranging from mild snoring to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). An oral appliance can be worn while you sleep to help open the airway.

How do you know if you have OSA

Anyone can get OSA. The disorder is more common in older people, men, and people who are overweight. Symptoms of OSA include:

• Falling asleep easily during the daytime
• Waking up unrefreshed in the morning
• Loud snoring or snoring with intermittent pauses
• Restless sleep
• Poor memory and problems thinking
• Irritability
• Morning headaches
• Weight gain

Non-Surgical Sleep Apnea Therapies

A few tests can determine whether you suffer from OSA, and non-surgical therapies may alleviate the problem. A nasal mask (cPAP) can deliver air to keep nasal passages open during sleep. Another option patients have is wearing dental appliances that reposition the tongue or mandible (lower jawbone). A Swedish study showed that the anterior mandibular positioning dental device (AMP) is actually more effective than surgical therapies. The same study stated that adverse health effects and appliance repairs were rare. There are several different types of dental appliances that are designed to reposition the jaw.

What is an Oral Appliance?

It is a device worn in the mouth that helps improve sleep quality by controlling sleep apnea and snoring. An oral appliance is held in place by the teeth. Many different types of oral appliances are available, but the most widely used and thoroughly researched is the Mandibular Repositioning Appliance, or MRA – sometimes called a Mandibular Advancing Device (or MAD).

How does an Oral Appliance work?

The MRA gently positions the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward. This opens space in the back of the throat and reduces tissue obstruction, helping keep the patient’s airway open and clear during sleep.

What are the indications for Oral Appliance Therapy?

An oral appliance may be recommended to treat snoring, or as an option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, it may be an elective alternative for patients who cannot use CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) equipment.

Dr. Michaelson can determine if an appliance would improve your quality of sleep.