Sleep apnea treatment with oral appliance therapy

Have you been diagnosed with OSA, also known as obstructive sleep apnea? Are you unhappy with the use of CPAP therapy to address the symptoms of this condition? Do you want a more comfortable and convenient solution that is easy to travel with, care for, and use? 

At Dental Care of Riverside in Riverside, California, Dr. Archana Sheth and her team work directly with patients to help them determine if they are proper candidates for alternative treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, including oral appliance therapy. Continue reading to find out if sleep apnea therapy with oral appliances is appropriate for your unique needs.

What is CPAP therapy, and how is it used for sleep apnea treatment?

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy, is a common treatment for sleep apnea. This therapy uses a machine to deliver steady and continuous air pressure through a mask worn over the nose and mouth during sleep. The pressurized air keeps the airways open, preventing pauses in breathing and improving overall sleep quality. While CPAP therapy is an affordable and effective way of addressing obstructive sleep apnea, many patients are not complying with using their devices as recommended because these devices are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and difficult to travel with. Instead, our team at Dental Care of Riverside may recommend the benefits of oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP.

How does oral appliance therapy work?

Oral appliance therapy may be beneficial if you are looking for an effective sleep apnea treatment without CPAP use. It uses a specialized mouth guard that aligns the jaw and holds down the tongue to maintain open airways while sleeping. It is small, comfortable, and easy to use, ensuring proper compliance with patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who are unhappy with their CPAP device.

With an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis, many patients will find relief with oral appliance therapy instead of using a CPAP device. 

To find out more about oral appliance therapy, schedule a consultation visit with Dr. Sheth by calling Dental Care of Riverside at (951) 666-8998