Do Dental Appliances Work for Sleep Apnoea?

Snoring can be something you unconsciously do when you sleep, especially when you are extremely tired of your day’s work. But if you noticed that you’ve been constantly waking up in the middle of the night struggling to breathe properly, maybe something’s just not right. 

Sleep apnoea is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world, causing breathing interruptions during sleep. These interruptions can result in poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and even more severe health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. 

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, you may have heard about dental sleep appliances as a treatment option. But do these sleeping devices work for sleep apnoea, and are they right for you? 

Let’s take a look at whether these appliances really work, including their benefits and limitations. We’ll also discuss who are the best candidates for these dental appliances for sleep apnoea. 

A Closer Look at Sleep Apnoea 

Before diving into sleep apnoea dental appliance effectiveness, let’s first talk about what sleep apnoea is, and why it is necessary to have it treated. 

Sleep apnoea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes, occurring multiple times throughout the night. These pauses ultimately prevent you from getting enough oxygen into your body, inhibiting your comfort. 

There are two main types of sleep apnoea: 

• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): The most common type, where the throat muscles relax so much that they block the airway. 

• Central Sleep Apnoea: A less common form where the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. 

Unfortunately, when sleep apnoea is left, it can lead to serious health risks, including chronic fatigue, heart disease, and stroke. That’s why it’s best to seek treatment if you suspect you have this condition. 

How Effective Are Dental Sleep Appliances for Sleep Apnoea? 

Dental sleep appliances are typically helpful for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. However, when we talk about sleep apnoea dental appliances’ effectiveness, it can be difficult to accurately assess as the results can vary from patient to patient. 

One study has shown that dental appliances can reduce the number of apnoea episodes by 50% or more, improving sleep quality and reducing the risk of related health complications. 

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP machine is another common type of appliance that’s recommended to help with sleep apnoea. However, for individuals who are unable to tolerate CPAP machines or prefer a less intrusive option, dental sleep appliances can be a viable alternative. 

Benefits of Dental Sleep Appliances 

There are several advantages to using a sleep apnoea dental appliance, including: 

1. Comfort and Ease of Use 

One of the primary reasons people opt for dental sleep appliances over CPAP machines is comfort. These devices are small, lightweight, and easy to wear. They don’t require a mask or hoses like CPAP machines have, which makes them more comfortable to use. 

2. Non-Invasive Treatment 

Dental sleeping appliances offer a non-invasive option for treating sleep apnoea. There’s no need for surgery, and the device is simply worn at night, which makes it a convenient choice for many patients. 

3. Portability 

Because dental sleep appliances are small and easy to carry, they are perfect for people who travel most of the time. Unlike CPAP machines, which can be bulky and difficult to transport, dental appliances are lightweight and can easily fit into a bag or suitcase. 

4. Improved Sleep Quality 

When you go to sleep using dental appliances, their purpose is to reposition the jaw or tongue to open your airway. This may help you improve your sleep quality as the repositioning will be expected to reduce apnoea episodes.  

Are There Any Limitations? 

Oral appliances for sleep apnoea may have many benefits for people who have this condition, especially if they have mild to moderate OSA. However, these devices also have limitations in their functions, including: 

1. Not Suitable for Severe Sleep Apnoea 

As mentioned earlier, dental sleep appliances are most effective for treating mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnoea. Patients with severe sleep apnoea may require more advanced and personalised treatment options, such as CPAP therapy or surgery, to manage their condition well. 

2. Adjustment Period 

It may take some time to get used to wearing these dental appliances. Some patients experience discomfort or soreness in the jaw or teeth during the initial adjustment period. However, this typically resolves as the mouth adapts to the device. 

3. Regular Monitoring and Adjustments 

To ensure the appliance continues to work on you, it’s best to get regular dental check-ups to monitor your progress. Your dentist may need to make adjustments to the device over time to maintain its fit and effectiveness. While this is not a major inconvenience, it’s something to consider when choosing a treatment option for your condition. 

Who Are The Best Candidates for Sleep Apnoea Dental Appliances? 

While dental sleep appliances may be a great option for many, they aren’t always suitable for everyone. The best candidates for sleep apnoea dental appliances are individuals who suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Because the soft tissues may block the passage of air, oral appliances may help reposition them to open the airway. 

If you’re one of these, it may be best for you to get dental appliances for your condition: 

• Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnoea: Best for patients with mild to moderate OSA, while severe cases may need CPAP or surgery. 

• CPAP Intolerance: Ideal for those who find CPAP machines bulky, uncomfortable or hard to use. 

• Frequent Travellers: A portable and convenient option for those who travel often. 

• Non-Invasive Treatment: Great for patients seeking a non-surgical solution to manage sleep apnoea. 

Note: Remember that dental sleep appliances should be partnered with regular monitoring and adjustments by a dentist to see how well these devices work on you. Talk to your dentist first to see if this may be the best option for your case. 

Sleep Soundly with Our Dental Professionals 

Dental appliances do have their own purpose and benefits for people who have sleep apnoea. Because of its numerous advantages, many patients continue to choose these as their partners in dealing with their condition. 

However, the effectiveness will have to vary for every patient, and it is likely that each one may have a different experience from the other. Plus, not many may be able to benefit from these, so make sure to consult with your dentist first.   

Consult with our dentists at Blue Gum Dental in Brentwood, WA. We provide customised dental appliance services for sleep apnoea to help you get a good night’s rest and improve your overall health. 

Book an appointment with our experienced team today to discuss whether a sleep apnoea dental appliance is right for you.