Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep. These episodes lead to reduced or completely stopped airflow despite ongoing efforts to breathe, which, in turn, can result in disrupted sleep and decreased oxygen levels in the blood. Common symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, please contact us to discuss further.

Furthermore, OSA can lead to serious long-term complications if left untreated. These complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, increased risk of motor vehicle accidents (MVA), and decreased quality of life due to chronic fatigue and cognitive impairment. Thus, timely detection and treatment of OSA can lead to better outcomes.

In general, there are three main treatment strategies. Firstly, surgery, which is invasive and has a high relapse rate over time. Secondly, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which, unfortunately, has high non-compliance rates. Thirdly, oral appliance therapy (OAT), which has a better compliance rate. Notably, studies have shown that OAT provides comparable results to CPAP in treating OSA and offers a viable alternative.

Specifically, OAT is a dental appliance used in the treatment of certain sleep-related breathing disorders, particularly OSA and snoring. It’s a non-invasive and non-surgical option designed to help open the upper airway and promote better airflow during sleep. The OAT looks somewhat like a mouthguard and is custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth and jaw.

The primary function of an OAT is to advance or reposition the lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward during sleep. By doing so, it helps prevent the collapse or narrowing of the upper airway, which is a common cause of snoring and sleep apnea events. Consequently, by keeping the airway open, it reduces the likelihood of interruptions in breathing and can lead to improved sleep quality and reduced symptoms associated with sleep apnea.

Importantly, OATs are considered one of the conservative treatment options for sleep apnea and are often recommended for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who prefer a non-surgical approach or are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. They are custom-made by a dentist or dental specialist to ensure a proper fit and effectiveness.

Finally, it is important to note that the use of an OAT should be under the guidance of an experienced dentist with expertise in dental sleep medicine to ensure it’s suitable for the individual’s specific condition and needs.