At St. Louis Dental West, led by Dr. Victoria Daugherty, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep. If you or a loved one are struggling with sleep apnea or snoring, oral appliances might be the solution you need.
Understanding Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are devices designed to keep the airway open during sleep, offering relief to individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). These devices differ significantly from over-the-counter anti-snoring gadgets and are typically recommended by sleep specialists, orthodontists, and dentists.
Types of Oral Appliances
- Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD): This device connects to both the upper and lower teeth, moving the jaw forward to open up the upper airway. Available in custom and stock variations, MADs are known to effectively reduce OSA symptoms and snoring, enhancing the quality of sleep.
- Tongue-Stabilizing Device (TSD): TSDs utilize suction to pull the tongue forward, preventing it from blocking the airway. Though less extensively researched than MADs, TSDs are known to alleviate breathing lapses and daytime fatigue.
- Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME): For children with OSA, RME is a beneficial treatment option, focusing on widening the roof of the mouth to open the airway.
Who Can Benefit from Oral Appliances?
Adults unable to tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy and those who snore without having OSA can significantly benefit from oral appliances. For children, RME devices are particularly effective in treating mild to moderate OSA.
Conclusion
Sleep is crucial for our overall health, and at St. Louis Dental West, we’re dedicated to ensuring you receive the rest you deserve. If you believe you or your child may benefit from an oral appliance, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (314) 965-4624 to explore your options with Dr. Victoria Daugherty.
About St. Louis Dental West
Having a dental home where you feel comfortable and people are familiar with you, creates an environment for you that is more predictable and you will always know what to expect. We find that when patients establish themselves at our dental practice and make it their dental home, they have less anxiety with visits. When we’re able to build a relationship with our patients over time, we can always be prepared to meet their needs. Then we have a deep understanding of how to make each visit great for them.
Each of our team members has over 15 years of experience providing dental care for patients. This gives us the knowledge of how to make our patients feel comfortable and at ease with each visit. We make sure we listen to our patients and learn what each person wants, and this ensures we meet their individual needs. While quality dental treatment is important to us, our favorite thing to provide for our patients is a good experience.