Allegheny Dental Sleep Center provides oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy is an alternative to CPAP devices and surgical treatment, and it has been known to be very effective in managing mild to moderate sleep apnea. Many people cannot tolerate or dislike using their CPAP, and oral appliances are able to provide a less invasive and more comfortable solution.
Oral appliances work to treat sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders by keeping your airways open. This is typically done by holding the jaw in a slightly forward position. This position tightens the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway, which then prevents obstruction of the airway while you are asleep. This tightening also prevents the tissues of the upper airway from vibrating as air passes over them and reduces snoring. Oral appliances may also work to prevent the tongue from rolling back in the throat.
Oral appliance therapy is a good option for:
- Those who snore
- Those with mild to moderate sleep apnea
- Those with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP
- Those with healthy teeth
- Those who want to travel without a CPAP machine
Our dentists have more than 25 years of specialized experience in the dental field. Using state-of-the-art technology, we can create customized oral appliances that are comfortable and effective, and which allow our patients to get the rest they need. There are several different dental devices and appliances available, and we will review your diagnosis and your options with you to find a solution that meets your unique needs.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
- Appliances are easy and comfortable
- Appliances are small, noiseless and barely noticeable
- Appliances are convenient for travelling
- Appliances don’t bother bed partners
- Appliances reduce self-consciousness that often accompany the use of a CPAP
- Appliances are not permanent, and use can be discontinued anytime
- Appliances are typically covered by medical insurance
Most patients are candidates for oral appliance therapy. During your initial consultation, our dentists will complete a screening of your airway and may recommend a home sleep test to verify that oral appliance therapy is right for you.
To schedule an appointment with one of our dentists and learn more about oral appliance therapy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, call Allegheny Dental Sleep Center today at 412-315-7934 . We are committed to helping you rest better, improve your quality of life, and get you back into bed with your partner.