Oral appliances for sleep apnea are available in approximately 80 different designs. There is no difference in efficacy among the different designs.

The device helps prevents obstruction of the airway by bringing the lower jaw forward. This in turn brings the tongue and soft palate forward which are the primary causes for the obstruction causing apnea.

The appliance is removable and attached to the upper and lower teeth. An adjustment mechanism is attached between the upper and lower components or appliances to establish the optimal position of the lower jaw.

Patients who are not able to utilize CPAP or have failed other treatments, patients who wish to pursue this treatment as their first option, mild to moderate apnea score have been shown to have the greatest benefit from this treatment over severe apnea. 

There are contra-indicators that may prevent use of an oral mandibular advancement device, specifically:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• Oral/facial pain
• Patients without teeth, patients with only a few remaining teeth or patients with loose or diseased teeth.

Studies show that 50-80% of patients experience resolution of their apnea or significant improvement with the use of an oral mandibular advancement device.   Snoring is eliminated in over 90% of patients who snore.

Side-effects may occur, but with time disappear in most patients.

Side-effects include: 

• Drooling 
• Ssore teeth 
• Sore jaw muscles and jaw joint 
• Changes in the bite, lasting for a part of the morning

Changes in the bite occur in a small number of patients after long term use which may require patients to discontinue use of the appliance. Normally if this occurs, the bite will self correct without treatment to correct the change.

Any risks associated with this treatment should be covered by your sleep doctor. Risks may include: High blood pressure, diabetes, irregular heart beat, daytime sleepiness leading to accidents, etc.

Untreated apnea may lead to long term risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, irregular heart beat and daytime sleepiness that may lead to accidents.

Any risks associated with this treatment should be addressed by your sleep doctor.