Sleep apnea mouth guards are a safe and effective way to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. These custom dental appliances are designed to keep your airway open as you sleep. As with any treatment option, many people wonder how long sleep apnea mouth guards last, and how reliable they actually are. Let’s explore this concept a little closer to find out if oral sleep apnea treatment is right for you.
The Average Longevity Of Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards
Sleep apnea dental appliances can last up to two years with continual wear. Some patients may need a replacement as early as six months, but that is rarely the case. After two years, the mouth guard may get worn down and become less effective. If you bring your dental appliance in for your checkups, we can watch for signs of wear and create a replacement mouth guard in advance.
Factors That Impact Longevity
Nighttime teeth grinding may affect the durability of your sleep apnea mouth guard. This puts extra pressure and friction on the oral appliance, which could damage the materials over time. Of course, the mouth guards are designed to withstand some clenching and grinding. If you know that you grind your teeth at night, you may need to prepare for a replacement earlier than most.
Another factor that could shrink the lifespan of a dental appliance is improper cleaning and maintenance. We will give you detailed aftercare instructions to help you take care of your mouth guard. If you use the wrong tools or cleaning solutions to maintain the mouth guard, you may compromise its integrity. For instance, cleaning the guard with hot water could cause it to lose shape over time.
Knowing When You Need A Replacement
If your sleep apnea symptoms start to return, we will need to evaluate your treatment as a whole. It may be time for a new sleep apnea mouth guard, or you may need an adjustment to your existing one. If your dental appliance looks overstretched or it somehow gets broken, you should have it looked at. We will assess the state of it to determine if you need a new dental appliance.
As long as you stay in contact with your dentist’s office, you can enjoy years of good sleep with a dental appliance. Contact our sleep apnea treatment center in Michigan to learn more.
