Oral appliances for sleep apnea
Snoring is very common and affects many people (and their partners!) and can be linked to obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition linked to increased blood pressure and heart disease. If you snore or suspect you may have obstructive sleep apnea, you should discuss this with your general medical practitioner (GP). To diagnose sleep apnea, a sleep study is required. There are several treatments for sleep apnea and snoring such as weight loss and CPAP machines, but your doctor may recommend an oral appliance for sleep apnea such as a mandibular advancement splint. This is a two piece appliance worn on the top and bottom teeth at night to open the airways. By keeping the airway open, snoring and sleep apnea can be controlled. To make an oral appliance for sleep apnea, we need to examine your teeth to make sure your mouth is suitable for this treatment and then take impressions or scans of your teeth so that the appliance is custom made for you. Once the appliance is made, a follow up with your doctor is important to ensure you are getting adequate oxygen when sleeping.