How Mandibular Advancement Devices Fight Sleep Apnea
Source: Dr. Marketing
When most people think of sleep apnea, they often associate it with a few restless nights of bad snoring; however, sleep apnea is a serious condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and can cause significant harm to one's overall health. If left untreated, sleep apnea can leave you at risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic fatigue. Many people believe that CPAP machines are the only effective treatment. Still, here at Stillwater Family Dental, our dentists play a key role in managing our patients’ sleep apnea by using a Mandibular Advancement Device, also known as a MAD.
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, our dentist can provide a simple, customized MAD device to help reposition your jaw during sleep, keep your airway open, and help you breathe easier – all without an obnoxious CPAP machine. In this post, we will explore how sleep apnea affects your health, how MADs work, and how we may be able to help you achieve the restful sleep you deserve.
Sleep Apnea and Why It Matters
Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring. According to the CDC, nearly 30 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which results in the collapse of the upper airway during sleep. 80% of these Americans are undiagnosed and often lead to lost productivity, mental health challenges, and increased accidents.
The most common form of OSA occurs when throat muscles relax and collapse, blocking airflow. Common side effects include snoring, gasping, or choking, and often go unnoticed by the patient, but can be painfully obvious for anyone you may share a bed with. These interruptions lead to poor sleep, headaches, and mood disturbances. However, if left untreated, OSA can have more serious consequences such as type 2 diabetes, pregnancy complications, and chronic kidney disease.
Getting Fitted for a Mandibular Advancement Device
Luckily, for more patients, the use of a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) can offer an effective treatment when prescribed by a dental professional. These oral appliances are custom-made to fit your teeth and jaw, resembling a mouthguard or retainer. Using a MAD may reduce or eliminate your sleep apnea by pulling your jaw or tongue forward to open your airway while you sleep.
MADs are a more comfortable and convenient alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machines (CPAP). While CPAP machines are also effective in treating sleep apnea, they are often loud, bulky, and difficult to tolerate over the long term. Instead of using a mask to push air into your lungs through a machine, MADs work with your body’s natural anatomy to help you breathe and sleep soundly throughout the night.
Benefits of Using a MAD for Sleep Apnea
If you or your partner is struggling with mild to moderate sleep apnea, a MAD may be the solution for you. Many patients experience a range of benefits, including:
- Improved sleep quality by reducing the number of breathing interruptions
- A quiet, comfortable alternative to those who travel frequently or are CPAP intolerant
- Improved relationships by significantly reducing or eliminating loud snoring to help you and your partner sleep better
- A non-invasive and easy-to-use appliance that can remain effective for years with regular dental checkups and adjustments
Getting Started With a MAD
Suppose you are ready to tackle your sleep apnea and experience more restful nights. In that case, our team at Stillwater Family Dental is here to help you get fitted for your own, uniquely customized Mandibular Advancement Device. Dr. Perpich is certified as a Qualified Dentist in sleep medicine with advanced training through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Simply schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms, review any sleep study results you may have, and evaluate your oral health to determine if you are a suitable candidate. If so, we will take an impression of your teeth to create your custom MAD, explicitly designed for your bite. It can take a few nights to get used to wearing a MAD, but the majority of our patients find it easy to incorporate into their nighttime routine. Lastly, we will schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the fit is just right and to make any other necessary adjustments.
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