Sleep apnea, teeth grinding, and other orofacial myofunctional disorders can all affect our oral and overall health. Luckily, there are plenty of restorative and cosmetic treatment options (like personalized sleep appliances) to help patients get improved oral health for better, healthier sleep.
Are you waking up tired, in pain, or irritated? A sleep disorder may be to blame. Dr. Thomas F. Brown and his team can help you pinpoint the issue to get simple treatments that bring lasting relief. Contact our dentist in Naperville, IL, at (630) 369-3120 for more!
Sleep appliances are dental devices that patients wear in the mouth while sleeping. The appliances work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue for optimal air flow and dental contact. There are several types of dental sleep appliances, each with its own unique features and benefits. Let’s explore them now.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
Mandibular advancement devices are the most common type of dental sleep appliance on the market today. They work by moving the lower jaw forward slightly to keep the airway open.
Dental professionals custom-make MADs to fit each patient’s mouth. They are also adjustable to ensure a truly personalized and comfortable fit. They are easy to use and require no special care other than regular cleaning.
MADs are ideal for patients with mild to moderate snoring or obstructive sleep apnea who do not want to use a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine.
Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs)
Tongue-retaining devices are another type of dental sleep appliance that works by holding the tongue in place to keep the airway open. TRDs consist of a small suction cup that attaches to the tongue and a tube that extends out of the mouth. The tube creates suction, which holds the tongue in place.
Dentists do not recommend TRDs as commonly as they recommend MADs, but they are still effective. For example, patients who have trouble tolerating MADs or who have smaller lower jaws may be better candidates for TRDs.
Combination Oral Appliances
Combination oral appliances are dental sleep appliances that combine a MAD with a TRD. These devices work by repositioning the lower jaw forward and holding the tongue in place to keep the airway open.
To ensure a comfortable fit, dentists custom-make each combination oral appliance to fit each patient’s mouth. They are also adjustable so that patients can tweak their sleep appliances at home.
Combination oral appliances are effective for patients who have both tongue and jaw-related sleep apnea.
Palatal Lift Appliances
Palatal lift appliances are dental sleep appliances that lift the soft palate to keep the airway open. These devices consist of a small plastic plate that patients place on the roof of their mouths before bed. This makes them an ideal sleep appliance for patients with mild snoring or sleep apnea who cannot tolerate other types of appliances.
Sleep Appliances and Therapy in Naperville, IL
If you suspect that a sleep disorder is keeping you from getting restful sleep, then contact Dr. Thomas F. Brown in Naperville, IL. Our team can help restore your sleep with personalized treatments and simple sleep appliances. So, don’t wait–click here or call (630) 369-3120 to get started now!