Sleep Apnea Treatment Specialist
Sleep Apnea Treatment at Dr. Oanh Le’s office in San Mateo, CA involves the use of customized oral appliances. These devices can help a patient sleep without danger at last.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Q & A
What is an Oral Appliance?
An oral appliance is a sleep apnea treatment. This appliance is crafted from a high-quality plastic or silicone that is custom-fitted to the patient's mouth. Oral appliances are worn while the patient is asleep. Appliances help keep the airways open, preventing the patient from the breathing interruptions common in sleep apnea. There are several kinds of oral appliances for sleep apnea. Some oral appliances are designed with a focus on maintaining airflow, while others are focused on moving the jaw forward to improve the bite. This type of oral appliance may be used in combination with braces. Other oral appliances can correct both airflow problems and snoring. Dr. Le will work with each patient on an individual basis to determine which appliance is the best fit for them.
Who Should Get an Oral Appliance?
People who suffer from sleep apnea can benefit from an oral appliance if they are healthy overall, are not overweight, and don't suffer from jaw malformation. While oral appliances for sleep apnea can be used in people who have sleep interruptions in any position, they are generally most effective for people who experience sleep disturbances while sleeping on their backs. Sleep apnea devices are generally recommended for patients who are under the age of 65, but they may be used in any age of a patient. For people with very difficult cases of sleep apnea, an oral appliance may need to be supplemented with CPAP therapy.
What is the Advantage of a Custom Oral Appliance?
A custom oral appliance is made based on a mold of the patient's mouth. While there are generic oral appliances designed to fit anyone, they rarely fit anyone's mouth perfectly. With a custom crafted oral appliance, the chance of shifting is very low. This means that the device can work at its peak effectiveness all night.