Exploring Different Types of Sleep Apnea Mouth guard

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects many individuals worldwide, often leading to serious health issues such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition, particularly for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Read along to explore the diverse range of sleep apnea mouthguards designed to enhance your breathing and improve sleep quality.

Understanding Sleep Apnea and Its Impact on General Health

Sleep apnea is a common clinical disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is portrayed as interruptions in breathing patterns or having shallow breaths during sleep, which can lead to various health problems. These interruptions in breathing can last a few seconds to a minute and occur several times throughout the night.

Its cause is multifactorial, possibly due to obesity and changes in tongue position. Additionally, it may be caused by the narrowing of the air pathway at the back of the mouth. It is mainly seen in middle-aged or older adults and snoring can also be a common sign seen in those with sleep apnea.

The impact of sleep apnea goes beyond just a restless night's sleep. It can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Sleep apnea has also been linked to more severe health conditions such as:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disturbances or arrhythmias
• Diabetes
• Heart failure or stroke
• Car or work accidents

It can also cause a decrease in oxygen supply to the body due to restricted breathing, leading to trouble in the functioning of the body's organs and metabolism. Therefore, seeking treatment for sleep apnea is vital in improving your overall general health and quality of life.

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure CPAP machine is often the first line of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It works by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask, ensuring that the upper airway remains open throughout the night. This constant pressure prevents the airway from collapsing, thereby reducing apnoea episodes.

However, for those who find CPAP machines uncomfortable, oral appliances for sleep apnea provide a viable alternative.

How does a sleep apnea mouth guard help with dental problems?

While CPAP machines are the most widely recognised treatment, other alternatives like mandibular advancement devices (MADs), mouth guards and tongue retaining devices are also effective in keeping the airway open during sleep.

Sleep apnea mouth guards, or mandibular advancement devices (MAD), are amongst the most common dental treatment options for sleep apnea. These mouthguards help reposition the jaw and tongue to open the airway and prevent the collapse of the throat muscles during sleep. Given the close relationship between sleep apnea and night bruxism, these mouthguards offer an additional benefit by reducing muscle activity, ultimately helping to alleviate the habit of teeth grinding.

This type of mouthguard is used mainly at night while sleeping. The mouthguard is custom-made to fit your teeth and is durable to ensure maximum comfort. It works by gently pushing your lower jaw to a forward position, which helps to keep your airway open and allows for easier breathing. The mouth guards for sleep apnea are effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea and can significantly reduce symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness.

Using a sleep apnea mouthguard without a proper diagnosis may temporarily alleviate snoring symptoms but may not address the underlying issue accurately. Make an appointment with your medical GP for a thorough consultation and view if this treatment option is right for you before purchasing these devices.

Exploring the best sleep apnea mouthguards

In contrast to CPAP machines, sleep apnea mouthguards offer easy wearability without any discomfort while sleeping. Additionally, the mouthguards are travel-friendly, making them a convenient choice for those on the go. Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are a popular type of oral appliance used to treat sleep apnea, especially in mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Here at Dental Designs Clinic, we are dedicated to providing high-quality and personalised care for our patients with sleep apnea. We offer two types of sleep apnea mouthguards to cater to different needs and preferences.

1) DuraSleep

• This mouthguard is crafted from durable nylon material by using 3D printing technology.
• It is highly durable and can withstand breakage even if dropped from a significant height.
• Its design is accurately custom fitted to your teeth shape due to its 3D printed technology.
• There is a reduced risk of allergic reaction as it is made of nylon, unlike acrylic.
• It is usually 0.5mm thick, making it comfortable to adapt to your mouth.

2) Somnodent

• These devices are milled from a uniform piece of acrylic aided by computer technology. 
• The inner lining of these mouthguards is soft and comfortable to cradle around your tooth while sleeping.
• These appliances help close your mouth gently while sleeping and reduces muscle activity at night.
• They come in various designs to accommodate multiple different mouth sizes, including options like the Somnodent Avant and Somnodent Classic.

Are there any side effects of using these mouthguards?

Increased saliva

Due to the presence of mouthguards, the brain may think it is food causing you to salivate more while wearing them.

Jaw and tooth discomfort

Due to the forward position of the jaw as well as the snug feeling while wearing these mouthguards, you might feel slight discomfort initially. Long-term use of these devices can sometimes lead to issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. 

Removal during sleeping

Some might wake up finding their mouthguard outside their mouth! This may be due to taking the mouthguard out unconsciously whilst sleeping.

Temporary change in bite position

When taking the appliance out in the morning, you might feel difficulty with the jaw returning to its usual position for a few minutes. This can be prevented by wearing a morning aligner which helps return your jaw to its usual position or doing certain jaw exercises.

Similarly, mouth guards and tongue retaining devices are also used to treat OSA. Mouth guards for sleep apnea are custom-fitted to ensure comfort and effectiveness, making them an excellent choice for those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.

Conclusion

To determine the most suitable treatment, a sleep study is advised. This study monitors various physiological parameters during sleep to assess the severity of sleep apnoea. Based on the results, healthcare providers can recommend the best course of action, whether it is a CPAP machine, an oral appliance or another form of treatment.

If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, don't hesitate to explore the benefits of a sleep apnea mouthguard. Consult with your healthcare provider or a dental professional to find the best option tailored to your needs. A good night's sleep is within reach and it starts with taking action today.

Do reach out to us or read more on sleep apnea and which mouthguards are best tailored for you.

References

1. Daniel J Gottlieb , Naresh M Punjabi |Diagnosis and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review |https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32286648/

2. Treating obstructive sleep apnea improves essential hypertension and quality of life |
   Donald S Silverberg ¹, Adrian Iaina, Arie Oksenberg | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11820487/