Lifestyle and behavior changes are routinely recommended for non-restful and/or obstructive sleep disorders and include regular exercise, weight loss, less nicotine, and alcohol, and often require support by one of the following:
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Oral Appliance Therapy: Cost effective, compliance is estimated at 80% or more. Effective in the long-term management of snoring, mild to moderate sleep apnea, and UARS. | Ask a Question! |
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Nasal CPAP: Nasal CPAP is an effective treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring when used on a regular basis, however, many find CPAP uncomfortable and are unwilling to wear it long enough to experience the benefits. Many find it hard to sleep soundly with large volumes of cold, dry air blown through and around their nose and face. A patient may sleep through the night, only to wake with dry and or congested nasal passages. Over time the nose, sinuses and throat may become irritated and/or inflamed.
They work by forcing enough air through the nasal passages and into the airway to keep it open. Effective when used, however, only fifty percent report regular use over a five year period. |
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Surgery: Non-reversible, painful, and symptoms often reoccur. Success rates are estimated at sixty percent over five years. |
We recommend an adjustable intraoral device, consisting of upper and lower full arch components connected by an adjustable titanium and/or vinyl hinge. The hinge allows for precise mandibular advancement and vertical positioning of the lower jaw. Posterior pads are utilized to minimize the disruptive effects of nocturnal bruxism and provide support for the TMJ and teeth during sleep. Mandibular positioning to reduce upper airway resistance is effective in the treatment of bruxism and other obstructive of sleep disordered breathing i.e. snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, UARS, mild to moderate obstructive apnea, and in special situations, severe obstructive apneic conditions. Oral appliance therapy is medically appropriate and consistent with the recommendations of the American Sleep Disorders Association.
Note: Oral appliance therapy works by increasing the vertical space between the back "posterior" teeth and moving the lower jaw forward as illustrated.
TWO BASIC TYPES OF MANDIBULAR POSITIONING DEVICES ARE UTILIZED:
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Diagnostic & Short Term: "Boil & Bite", oral appliance used for diagnostic evaluation and short term treatment for snoring, mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and "UARS". A vinyl "Halstrom Hinge" provides for mandibular advancement and allows lateral jaw motion. Bruxism pads provide support for the jaw joints during sleep. |
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Therapeutic & Long Term: Laboratory constructed oral appliance for long term management of snoring, mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and "UARS". A titanium "Halstrom Hinge" provides for multiple adjustments necessary to stablize advance and/or vertical position the jaw and tongue. |
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Dr. Bryan O. Blevins |