Oral Appliance Therapy Melbourne, Vero Beach, & Boca Raton
Convenient & Comfortable Sleep Apnea Treatment
A CPAP machine is the most commonly prescribed solution for patients who are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Unfortunately, many people find the machine difficult to tolerate, so they do not comply with their treatment. They therefore continue to suffer from sleep deprivation and the many health risks that it poses. Is there a better way to find relief from OSA? Yes! Dr. Mogell and our team proudly offer oral appliance therapy in Boca Raton a convenient and effective way to breathe easier during sleep.
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?
An oral appliance is a small device that resembles a mouthguard that you would wear for sports. However, it has a very different purpose. There are a couple different types of oral appliances, but most of them are mandibular advancement devices (MADs.).
The goal of a MAD is to shift the lower jaw slightly forward. This helps to prevent tissues in the throat from collapsing during sleep, enabling your airway to stay open and allowing you to find freedom from the pauses in breathing that are the hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliances also work to stop patients from snoring, which is a common symptom of OSA.
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy
Some noteworthy advantages of oral appliance therapy include:
- The devices are custom-fit to maximize effectiveness.
- There are no hoses, wires, or tubes.
- The treatment is completely silent; there is no machine-related noise to bother you or your significant other.
- Oral appliances are small and easy to travel with. You can just slip your device in your carry-on and go!
- This therapy is completely noninvasive.
- Maintaining and caring for an oral sleep appliance is easy and inexpensive.
- Unlike a CPAP machine, an oral appliance will not dry out your sinuses or your lips.
- An oral appliance does not require you to be attached to a machine, so you can feel free to sleep in whatever position brings you the most comfort.
- Most patients find that an oral appliance is easier to use and more comfortable than a CPAP machine.
Who Could Benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy?
You might be able to benefit from oral appliance therapy if:
- You have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Whether your case is mild, moderate, or severe, an oral appliance may be able to help.
- You snore loudly and frequently but have not been officially diagnosed with OSA.
- You wish to avoid surgery to address your condition.
- You have used a CPAP machine in the past and found it difficult to tolerate.
- You are looking for a way to manage your OSA while you make lifestyle changes that will reduce your symptoms. (For example, you might be trying to lose weight.)
How Can You Get an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?
If you believe that you may have sleep apnea, you can get started on your path to relief by contacting any of our three conveniently located offices. When you schedule an appointment, we will guide you on your next steps. You may have to:
- Take our sleep apnea screener to find out whether it is likely that you have OSA.
- Visit Dr. Mogell and our team. We will take a look at your airway and use imaging equipment to assess your potential for disordered breathing.
- Schedule a sleep test so you can receive an official OSA diagnosis.
- Work with us to determine the specific type of oral appliance that will work best for your unique case.
- Visit us so we can adjust your appliance and make sure it has the perfect fit. Feel free to ask questions during your adjustment appointments so you can be well-informed during every stage of your OSA treatment journey.
Custom-Made Solutions for Each Patient
At Florida Dental Sleep disorders, Dr. Mogell doesn’t want any patient to leave our office with an appliance that feels uncomfortable or that does not fit well. Indeed, we take great care to ensure that each device is custom-fit to work well for the person using it.
To achieve that end, we will take detailed impressions of your mouth so your device can be created to suit your unique smile. We will also make sure you have the right type of device that will deliver the ideal balance of comfort and efficacy.
Caring for Your Oral Appliance
A custom oral appliance for sleep apnea has the potential to last for years! Of course, it can only live up to that potential if you take good care of it. When we provide your oral appliance, we will give instructions to help you make sure it stays in good shape. What guidance will we provide? Here is a basic overview of the best practices that will protect your appliance from harm and premature wear:
Clean Your Teeth Daily
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is always important, but when you have an oral sleep appliance, you have extra reasons to maintain a clean mouth. Brushing and flossing before bed removes food particles and bacteria that can accumulate on your teeth and the appliance. Without these good habits, you might find that your appliance starts to have an unpleasant odor or that it becomes stained. If you are unsure of how to optimize your oral hygiene routine, ask your care team the next time you visit your general dentist.
Clean Your Appliance Every Day
Daily cleaning of your oral appliance helps remove plaque, saliva, and bacteria that could compromise both your appliance and your oral health. Neglecting this step may lead to discoloration, unpleasant smells, or the buildup of harmful microbes. Clean the appliance each morning with a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap. Avoid using toothpaste, which can be abrasive and cause scratches. Rinse the appliance thoroughly under cool or lukewarm water, and allow it to air dry before storage. (If your oral appliance comes with any specific cleaning instructions from the manufacturer, be sure to follow them!)
Store Your Oral Appliance Properly
Proper storage prevents accidental loss, damage, and exposure to dust and bacteria. Always place your clean, dry oral appliance in its designated protective case whenever you are not using it. Keep the case in a safe place that is out of reach of pets and young children. Avoid exposing your appliance to heat or direct sunlight, which could warp its shape. Periodically clean the storage case with mild soap and water to maintain a clean environment for your appliance.
Do Not Eat While Wearing Your Appliance
Eating with your oral appliance in place can damage the device and introduce particles that foster bacterial growth. Food can even become trapped, leading to odors and potential oral health problems. Always remove your appliance before consuming snacks or meals. After eating, brush and rinse your teeth before inserting the appliance.
What to Do If Your Oral Appliance Needs Repairs or Adjustments
If your oral appliance becomes uncomfortable, damaged, or does not fit properly, it is important to contact one of our locations promptly. Attempting to adjust or repair the appliance yourself may worsen the problem or void its warranty. Our team will do all we can to correct the issue as soon as possible so you can get back to fully benefiting from your appliance.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Covered by Insurance?
It is estimated that more than 100 different oral sleep appliances have received FDA approval. Because this treatment is so widely accepted in the medical community, most health insurance companies will cover it as long as proper documentation channels are followed. Oral appliances are usually classified as durable medical equipment, so getting coverage for them is easy in most cases.
Our team can help you with this process so you do not miss out on any of your benefits. In fact, we are in-network with many major policies, meaning that we are in a great position to help you maximize your coverage.
Are you ready to learn more about oral appliance therapy and its many benefits? Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.