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Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Therapy in Rochester, NY

Sleep Apnea Appliances

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA), also known as sleep apnea, is the most common type of breathing disorder that occurs while you sleep. It is a narrowing of your airway that restricts or blocks air from entering your lungs. This hampering of breathing causes your sleep cycle to fragment, preventing you from getting a healthy night’s sleep. Sleep apnea is more likely to occur in individuals who suffer from obesity, enlarged tonsils, or when hormone levels increase.

Woman and man in bed with woman holding her ears due to her partner's snoring.

Several common ways of how your airway can become restricted are when the soft tissue of your throat become relaxed during sleep and collapse repeatedly or when your tongue falls back while you sleep and blocks your airway. Sleep apnea can also occur when your throat is narrow either due to your anatomy or as a result of being overweight, especially in your neck area. Whatever the reason, the most telltale sign that you may have sleep apnea (OSA) is loud snoring throughout the night, which is usually noticed by your sleeping partner—although not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.​​

Man with CPAP machine in bed with wife.

There is a less common form of sleep apnea called Central Sleep Apnea, which happens when your brain does not send the signals needed to breath while sleeping. Your medical doctor will determine which type of sleep apnea you may have, through studies.

 

For mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea, a CPAP or similar devices will be prescribed by your medical doctor or an oral appliance will be made by your dental provider.

Diagnosis by a Medical Healthcare Provider

It is important to note that if you or a loved one suspect that you may have sleep apnea (OSA), you should talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Sleep apnea can negatively affect your health in many ways. It can lead to or worsen high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, a stroke, an increase in blood sugar, morning headaches, depression, loss of interest in sex, daytime sleepiness, poor performance at work or school, and more. 

Young woman getting a dental mold to prepare for a night guard.

If your doctor diagnoses you with sleep apnea, you will likely be referred to a sleep disorder center to participate in a sleep study. A sleep study involves monitoring and recording your breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels overnight.

Common Treatments for Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Young woman sleeping in bed using a CPAP device.
CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

The most well-known treatment for more severe cases of sleep apnea is using a continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP device. A mask is worn over your nose or over your nose and mouth which is connected by a hose to a small machine that sits at the side of your bed. This machine pumps air under pressure through the hose and mask and into your airway during sleep, which helps keep your airway open. It is important to note, that while CPAP is a good first choice treatment for OSA, if it is not being used regularly, it does not treat sleep apnea. Oral devices were shown to have higher compliance rates, and thus higher overall effectiveness.

Oral Appliance Therapy

If you've been diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea or have found that you cannot tolerate a CPAP device, wearing an intra-oral appliance while you sleep might be a good option. These devices are provided by your dental provider and are custom-made to fit your mouth. They are:

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)

This is the most well-known oral appliance. It works by keeping the lower jaw in a forward position, thus keeping the airway opened during sleep. MADs typically consist of trays with moldable thermoplastic to fit your upper and lower teeth, and mechanisms such as hinges or elastic bands to adjust the advancement level. Because they are adjustable, it allows your dental healthcare provider to change the level of advancement of your lower jaw.

​​Although, not as common as a MAD device, a tongue retaining appliance, also known as a mandibular repositioning device, can also be effective in treating sleep apnea. This type of oral appliance will keep your tongue out of your airway while you sleep by supporting the bottom jaw in a lowered position which helps your airway to stay open.

Photo of a dental night guard.
Tongue Retaining Device

How a Prosthodontist Can Help

1. Screening for Sleep Apnea (OSD)

During your initial consultation, Dr. Kuyunov will examine you to see if you have sleep apnea (OSA). He will examine the physical state of your airway, review your medical health and history, listen to your personal preferences for treating your sleep apnea, and oversee the entire process for the treatment of your sleep apnea (OSA).

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2.  Referral to a Medical Specialist

Dr. Kuyunov will then refer you to a board-certified sleep medical doctor who will have you participate in a sleep study in order make an official diagnosis of sleep apnea (OSA). If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your sleep medicine doctor will prescribe either a medical CPAP device or an intra-oral sleep appliance that is custom fabricated by your dentist.

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3.  Follow-up Monitoring

After you have used your oral appliance for two to four weeks, you will return to Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, NY, for a follow-up visit so that Dr. Kuyunov can adjust your device until you experience optimal results. You will then repeat the sleep study to acquire objective measurements.

Man just waking up holding his head up with his hand trying to wake up.

A CPAP device is just one solution to treat sleep apnea. Many of Dr. Kuyunov’s patients who experience mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea, are finding that an oral appliance has worked well for them. It positions your jaw and tongue to prevent them from blocking your airway.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Dr. Kuyunov of Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, NY, recommends using oral appliance therapy as a reliable treatment for your sleep apnea. Here are several benefits of oral appliance therapy for you to consider:

  • It can improve the symptoms of sleep apnea (OSA) including daytime sleepiness, concentration issues, and reduction or elimination of snoring.

  • Oral appliance therapy is less cumbersome and less noisy than using a CPAP.

  • Many patients feel that an oral appliance is more comfortable than using a CPAP.

  • It can be taken along easily when traveling.

  • No electricity is needed while in use.

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If you would like more information about sleep apnea therapy, or would like a consultation with Dr. Kuyunov, Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester is here to help.

Using a sleep apnea appliance reduces the chances of airway blockage during sleep, and may help eliminate snoring and other symptoms of sleep apnea. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, Dr. Kuyunov at Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, NY, is dedicated to helping you breathe easier and sleep better. Give our office a call today at 585-471-5689 to make an appointment! Or click the link below to email us.

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