Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea

There are different treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The option that is right for you depends on the severity of your sleep apnea (which is determined from a sleep study), the physical structure of your upper airway, and other aspects of your medical history.

During sleep, the muscles in the airway relax and this can cause physical blockages or obstructions. Obstructions that cause breathing to stop completely for at least ten seconds are termed apneas. When breathing is substantially reduced for at least ten seconds, it is a hypopnea. Frequent apneas and hypopneas lead to numerous brief awakenings during sleep and to sleepiness during waking hours. Preventing apneas and hypopneas prevents the sleep fragmentation, so treatment reduces the sleepiness. All treatment options are intended to prevent obstructions from occurring, usually by widening the airway. Keep in mind the precise cause of obstruction is usually difficult to find, and many people have obstructions in more than one place. Only your doctor or sleep specialist can tell you which treatment is best for you.

For more on OSA, read the American Sleep Apnea Association brochure "Get the Facts about Sleep Apnea" or visit the American Sleep Apnea Association’s website.