Mouthpieces can be used to treat a variety of sleep issues.
Teeth grinding, or Bruxism, is a condition that can lead to jaw pain and damage to the teeth. Teeth with extensive cavity fillings are particularly vulnerable to grinding and can break while asleep, leading to expensive crown work.
Snoring is another common ailment that can be treated with a mouthpiece. Many have found relief using these snoring appliances, as have their sleep deprived partners. There are a variety to choose from and can be purchased without prescription.
Mouthpieces can also be used as an alternative to CPAP for sleep apnea treatment. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition, if untreated, can lead to heart disease and stroke. Sleep apnea mouth guards are custom made by dentists using a plastic-like mold to form to the specific shape of the patient’s teeth and mouth. Not only do they help with sleep apnea, but certain oral devices can also prevent snoring.
How Do Sleep Apnea Mouthpieces Work?
Most sleep apnea mouthpieces work by moving the jaw forward. Also called jaw advancing devices (JAD) or mandibular advancement devices (MAD), these sleep apnea mouthguards increase the size of the upper airway, thus reducing the air resistance that leads to sleep apnea and snoring. Some sleep apnea mouthpieces allow the user to adjust the degree to which their jaw is moved forward. An example of this kind of sleep apnea mouthpiece is the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP).
Tongue retaining devices are another type of sleep apnea mouthpiece. These oral devices for sleep apnea use a splint that keeps the tongue in place to ensure that the airway remains open during sleep.
Although anti-snoring devices work in a similar way, if you are suffering from sleep apnea the oral device you use must be designed for sleep apnea specifically.
How Effective Are Sleep Apnea Mouthpieces?
Although CPAP is the most popular sleep apnea treatment, dental appliances are becoming more common as research solidifies their efficacy in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring.
Oral devices for sleep apnea are often used as a substitute for CPAP or sleep apnea surgery, as they are more cost-expensive and less invasive. Sleep apnea mouthpieces can be used in conjunction with a weight loss program if the patient is overweight. If you also suffer from snoring, you may find that your sleep apnea mouth guard also reduces airway turbulence.
Sleep apnea mouthpieces are not suitable for all patients. They are generally more effective in mild to moderate sleep apnea cases, although they may be recommended to patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. It is important to work with your doctor to determine whether this treatment would be right for you.
Even after you have received your sleep apnea mouth guard, your doctor may request a sleep study to determine if it is effective. Follow-up care is imperative to ensure that you are getting the right treatment.
Benefits of Oral Devices for Sleep Apnea
When used consistently and under the guidance of your doctor, you may experience many benefits from your sleep apnea mouthpiece. Most patients see an improvement to their sleep quality after the first night of use. And because sleep apnea mouthpieces are easy to use, there is a higher rate of compliance compared to other treatments for sleep apnea.
Other benefits of oral devices for sleep apnea include:
- Convenience – Sleep apnea mouthpieces are compact and portable
- Discreteness – Sleep apnea mouthpieces are not visible to your bed partner when your mouth is closed
- Energy conservation – Unlike CPAP machines, sleep apnea mouthpieces do not use any electricity. You don’t have to plug them into a wall to function, which means they are easier and cheaper to use.
Click here to see the pros and cons of the more popular oral devices and anti-snoring mouthpieces available online.
Disadvantages of Oral Devices for Sleep Apnea
Some sleep apnea patients who use sleep apnea mouthpieces experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis or arthralgia. Others report an unusual sensation shortly after removing the device in which they have difficulty bringing their teeth together in the usual position. Some patients experience teeth shifting after prolonged use. Occasionally orthodontic care is required to normalize the teeth positioning.
One of the complaints from people using a mouthpiece to treat sleep apnea is the difficulty in monitoring compliance. Most new CPAP machines have tracking software which shows the patient and the healthcare providers the amount of hours of use and the presence of persisting respiratory events. Because of their size, oral devices for sleep apnea are not able to contain the same amount of technology that a CPAP device contains. However, there are some newer sleep apnea mouthpieces with microchips that are able to measure the amount of hours of use.
Another reported problem with sleep apnea mouthpieces is that they have a limited life expectancy. They are not designed to last forever. Many are only effective for a year or two before the materials weaken and the appliances lose efficacy. If you choose to use an oral device for sleep apnea, you will probably have to replace it regularly.
Getting an Oral Device for Sleep Apnea
The first step to getting any sleep apnea treatment is talking to your doctor. You may be a candidate for certain sleep therapies while others may be excluded because of your medical history or anatomy. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare professional. You may be asked to undergo a sleep study or test for sleep apnea at home. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you and your doctor can discuss treatment options.
With the increase in supply of manufacturers and qualified dentists, oral devices for sleep apnea have become a popular treatment for sleep-disordered breathing and snoring. If a dental device is indicated, you will be referred to a dentist who specializes in the treatment of sleep apnea. The dentist usually takes an impression of your teeth bite called a bite registration. A reproduction of your teeth is then made of plaster. Your sleep apnea mouthpiece will be designed using this model so that it fits your teeth and mouth perfectly.
You should only seek oral devices for sleep apnea that are FDA cleared. Although there are businesses that sell sleep apnea mouthpieces on the internet, it is important that your sleep physician, primary care doctor, and/or dentist approve the appliance. Many of the over-the-internet ‘boil and bite’ sleep apnea mouthguards are not effective.
How Much Do Sleep Apnea Mouthpieces Cost?
The average cost for a sleep apnea mouth guard is estimated at $1800 – $2000. This includes the actual sleep apnea mouthpiece, dentist visits, adjustments, follow-ups, and modifications to the dental device. Most health insurance companies and Medicare cover oral devices for sleep apnea.
For more details on sleep apnea mouthpieces and prices, take a look at our review page here.
To arrange for a sleep apnea mouthpiece, contact your local dentist or primary care provider.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Sleep Health
With a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Indiana University Bloomington, Rebecca enjoys making accurate, up-to-date health information accessible to all readers. As a freelance writer and editor, she has covered everything from healthcare and experimental music to education. Rebecca lives in Tennessee, where she spends her free time reading, writing fiction, and making music.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Cold Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Dolphin
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