{"id":1753,"date":"2024-11-06T18:37:30","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T18:37:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/?p=1753"},"modified":"2025-01-01T18:39:46","modified_gmt":"2025-01-01T18:39:46","slug":"oral-adjustment-wearing-an-appliance-for-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/2024\/11\/06\/oral-adjustment-wearing-an-appliance-for-sleep-apnea\/","title":{"rendered":"Oral Adjustment: Wearing an Appliance for Sleep Apnea"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Woman<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been suffering from sleep apnea<\/a>, receiving a diagnosis is only the first step towards recovering a peaceful night\u2019s rest. Once you know what you\u2019re dealing with, the next step is to address it! Thankfully, your sleep dentist can help provide you with an oral appliance that positions your teeth and jaw in a way that keeps your airway open at night so your natural nightly patterns aren\u2019t interrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, many patients worry that they won\u2019t be able to zonk out with dental work in their mouths. Continue reading to learn more about adjusting to life with your oral appliance to overcome your sleep apnea!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This chronic condition occurs when your upper airways narrow or collapse during your circadian cycles, resulting in pauses in your breathing that interrupt your sleep stages. While it can\u2019t typically be reversed entirely, your dentist can provide solutions to keep your air passages open so you can rest more soundly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, many patients receive a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device that delivers a steady stream of pressurized air through a facial mask worn at night. While this method can be quite effective, it\u2019s not the best solution for everyone\u2019s unique circumstances. Some people struggle with dozing off with a machine working on the bedside table, or prefer a simpler solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Mandibular Advancement Devices?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, your sleep dentist can also provide MAD (mandibular advancement devices) to address your restless nights. These custom-fitted oral appliances slightly reposition your jaw throughout the night to keep your airways open. Instead of placing a mask over your nose and mouth, you\u2019ll insert the device over your teeth like a mouthguard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Common Frustrations with New Oral Appliances?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It can take your body a few weeks to fully acclimate to wearing a guard over your teeth at night. In the meantime, many patients experience issues like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n