Patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea are almost certainly aware of the most commonly used treatment for sleep apnea: CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). The purpose of CPAP is to maintain an open airway during sleep. Although CPAP is effective in treating sleep apnea, many patients find it uncomfortable and impractical. Some patients may experience discomfort with the mask, tubing, or pressure settings and may want to explore other options for treating their sleep apnea. Dental devices are one of the alternatives available to patients with sleep apnea, and Dillon Family Dentistry in Bryn Mawr has the expertise and knowledge to assist you with these devices.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a serious type of sleep disorder that occurs when you stop breathing numerous times while you’re sleeping. Your pauses in breathing could last anywhere between several seconds and more than a minute at a time and will happen dozens of times during an hour. Sleep apnea, when left untreated, may be a contributor to developing high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, daytime sleepiness, or changed moods. The easiest way to identify possible cases of sleep apnea is through loud snoring, headaches after waking up, falling asleep often during the day, and difficulty staying awake during the day or concentrating. 

For those patients who have difficulty managing CPAP therapy, seeking an alternative therapy for sleep apnea may not only provide a more comforting option but also an improved quality of life.

What Are Sleep Apnea Dental Devices?

Dental devices for sleep apnoea are oral devices that are customized to fit your mouth and should be worn while sleeping. These dental devices work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open and ensure uninterrupted airflow while the user is asleep. They are compact and do not require air pressure as with CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). It is usually much easier to get accustomed to a dental device than a CPAP machine.

At Dillon Family Dentistry, we specialize in orthodontic therapy in Bryn Mawr, and offer sleep apnea dental devices that meet your specific needs for comfort and performance.

Who Can Benefit From Oral Appliance Therapy?

Patients who have difficulty wearing a CPAP mask regularly, who find the CPAP machine uncomfortable and/or loud, who frequently travel and require a portable option, and who are looking for an alternative to CPAP devices in Bryn Mawr that are low-maintenance may benefit from dental devices as a viable option. Oral appliances work particularly well for individuals with mild to moderate OSA; however, dental devices can, in some instances, work together with additional treatments for patients with more severe forms of OSA.

Advantages of Choosing Dental Devices

The advantages of selecting a dental device for snoring or sleep apnea include the following:

• Comfort and convenience: simply place the device into your mouth without the discomfort of using masks, hoses, and noisy machines.
• Improved sleep quality: Many patients using these devices have noted that they snore less, which allows their partners to enjoy more restful sleep as well.
• Non-invasive treatment: You do not need to sleep on any medication or take any medications; the devices have been custom-designed to fit you without any need for surgery.
• Effective snoring treatment in Bryn Mawr: There are several solutions for reducing snoring, and oral appliances in Bryn Mawr, PA, are often preferred by patients and their partners.

Working With a Dentist for Sleep Apnea in Bryn Mawr

While CPAP therapy is typically managed by a Doctor of Sleep Medicine or sleep specialist, Oral Appliance Therapy is provided by a qualified dentist who has received specialized training in sleep medicine. At Dillon Family Dentistry, our team will evaluate your Sleep Apnea, fit a custom device for you, and track the results of your treatment to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit possible. Choosing a Dentist for Sleep Apnea in Bryn Mawr means that you are choosing an expert local partner committed to improving your Sleep Health and your General Health.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

You still have choices available to you even if CPAP is not beneficial for you. Dental appliances are a great alternative that provides superior comfort, practicality and efficiency. Dillon Family Dentistry is proud to serve the Bryn Mawr community with effective solutions for those struggling with sleep apnea, including oral appliance therapy – a comfortable option that can help reduce snoring and support better, more restorative sleep each night.

FAQs

1. Can a dental appliance replace CPAP?

Custom dental appliances can often be prescribed as an alternative to CPAP for patients who have mild or moderate sleep apnea. They are easier to wear and provide a greater level of comfort than CPAP. If you’d like to find out whether this treatment option is appropriate for you, contact Dillon Family Dentistry, located in Bryn Mawr.

2. What should I do if CPAP doesn’t work for me?

When continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) causes discomfort or is challenging to use, oral appliance therapy offers a potential alternative. Consult with your sleep apnea dentist in main line for an individualized dental device specifically designed to improve the quality of your sleep through this type of therapy.

3. Which is better for sleep apnea, CPAP or dental appliances?

Oral Appliances are generally is a more desirable treatment option for those who have mild levels of Sleep Apnea, because they provide more comfort and convenience than CPAP machines. Therefore, most patients in Bryn Mawr select Oral Appliances over CPAP machines.

4. Can a dental device help with sleep apnea?

Yes, dental devices help keep the airway open during sleep, reducing snoring and improving breathing. Dillon Family Dentistry offers custom oral appliances in Bryn Mawr.

5. What is the success rate of dental appliances for sleep apnea?

Dental appliances are highly successful for mild to moderate sleep apnea when custom-fitted and monitored by an experienced Bryn Mawr sleep apnea dentist.