Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard
Beachwood Sleep Center is an advanced, customizable mouth guard designed to manage obstructive sleep apnea. The device is a great alternative to CPAP therapy and provides a comfortable night’s sleep with no noise, snoring or discomfort.
A qualified dentist who specializes in treating sleep apnea is essential for creating a customized oral appliance for managing sleep apnea. The first step is to diagnose the condition by performing an evaluation of your oral health, jaw mobility and the temporomandibular joint.
How a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard Can Improve Your Night’s Rest
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are the most common mouthpieces used to treat sleep apnea. They are designed to look like a sports mouth guard and snap over the upper and lower teeth, pulling the jaw forward to prevent the tongue from collapsing into the airway during sleep. MADs are available over the counter, but it is important to work with a dentist to ensure proper placement and alignment of the device.
Tongue-retaining devices (TRD) are similar to MADs, but they hold the tongue forward to prevent it from falling into the throat during sleep. TRDs are less commonly used than MADs, but they can be effective at reducing snoring and daytime sleepiness for those who cannot use a MAD due to jaw or dental restrictions.
Regardless of which type of sleep apnea mouth guard is used, regular follow-up visits are recommended to optimize comfort and efficacy. In addition, periodic adjustments to the appliance can be made to accommodate changes in your dental structure and oral occlusion.