Obstructive Sleep Apnea Dental Devices
For sufferers of mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), dental devices that hold the lower jaw forward while sleeping have been proven to help open the airway, and reduce the number of times the patient stops breathing per hour. In medical literature, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Mandibular Advancement Devices have been shown to reduce the risk of death resulting from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is indeed a life-threatening disorder! Please see the diagram above and the picture of an Obstructive Sleep Apnea Orthodontic Device, or call us for farther explanation or with any questions (720) 800-9331.
While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is still considered the gold standard for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, some patients are unable to tolerate the intrusive presence of the mask, the air being blown while sleeping, and/or the dry mouth that comes with it all.
Dr. Friedman completed her Master’s degree performing pioneering research on the effects of the airway of these devices, and was the first to use 3D imaging to look at the airway with the devices in place. Please see her groundbreaking research in the links below which has been cited in academic journals all over the world hundreds of times! Please see the links to her research below which changed the field of Orthodontics around the world:
At your Sleep Apnea Appliance Consult, Dr. Friedman will review the severity of your Obstructive Sleep Apnea with you, perform an exam, and ask you questions to determine if the appliance is right for you, and if so, what type, as there are numerous appliances that perform almost the same function, but different patients will be more comfortable in different ones.
If you and Dr. Friedman decide to proceed with making an appliance, you will have molds of your mouth made, which will be sent to the lab to fabricate your device. Once the appliance has been delivered and titrated to hold the lower jaw in the correct position, you will sleep better, getting more oxygen at night, and even reduce any snoring that you may be experiencing!
Even if you are feeling much better, with more energy during the day, less sleepiness, and even less hunger, it is important to follow up with your physician after titration to ensure that your Obstructive Sleep Apnea is under control.
If farther symptoms arise or continue we will obtain another sleep study, with the mandibular advancement device in place, to determine if there are farther causes for your symptoms and address those with a multidisciplinary team. We work closely with other sleep specialists such as Pulmonologists and Ear Nose and Throat specialists to ensure the resolution of your symptoms if your case requires it.
Directions
West Arvada Orthodontics is conveniently located at the intersection of Candelas Parkway and Highway 72.
