You may be wondering what orthodontics has to do with the treatment of sleep apnea or snoring? Orthodontists frequently use custom-made removable appliances to treat different types of problems affecting the jaws and teeth. Some of these devices are similar to the mandibular advancement orthotics (OAM) used for the treatment of sleep apnea. In fact, many OAMs are modifications of orthodontic appliances, used to promote mandibular advancement in people with too short a lower jaw. Several of the most efficient and effective devices for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea have been designed by orthodontists.
The Devices
Many OAM devices are used to treat snoring and sleep apnea. This appliance consists of two “splints” molded on each dental arch and which are articulated by a hinge. A screw on the upper part pushes the lower groove forward to gradually advance the mandible and clear the airway in the throat. Some people are fitted with a CPAP at night.
One Example
In one example, the patient without the appliance in the mouth, there would be a horizontal gap between the upper anterior teeth and the lower ones, which means that the upper teeth almost completely cover the lower ones. With the device in the mouth, the mouth would be more open and the mandible is advanced, which helps to clear the throat. After only a few nights, the patient would generally report a marked improvement to the sleep apnea symptoms.
The Problem of Sleep Apnea
While often thought of as just a social problem, snoring is often accompanied by sleep apnea. It is therefore also necessary to obtain a diagnosis using a sleep test to ensure that there is no apnea before considering wearing a mandibular advancement orthosis. Here are some things you need to know about sleep apnea:
- Sleep apnea is a serious problem that can have serious health consequences. The diagnosis must be made by a sleep test and interpreted by a doctor specializing in sleep disorders. There are different types of sleep tests that can be done to diagnose a sleep breathing disorder.
- A prescription written by a doctor or dentist (orthodontist) is required to refer a patient to a laboratory offering a sleep testing service.
- It is the physician who will determine if a patient is a potential candidate (from a medical point of view) for the use of an advancement orthosis. It will then be up to the dentist to assess whether the patient is a “dental” candidate for wearing such an appliance.
Note that not all practitioners will require a medical diagnosis before recommending or prescribing the wearing of a mandibular advancement orthosis and these treatments are not really regulated but, not following the “rules of the art” in this area can be very risky, costly, and damaging for patients.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and you received medical advice to see an orthodontist, then contact an expert like Brad Dixon, DMD for a consultation and potential OAM fitting. You will most likely see an improvement in your sleep pattern if you seek help from a medical professional.
