There is more than one way to treat sleep apnea. Depending on your symptoms and the root cause of your sleep apnea, one method may be better for you than another. At our sleep apnea treatment center in Metro Detroit, MI, we assess each patient individually to determine the best solution for his or her needs. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of sleep apnea dental appliances in Michigan.
Mandibular Advancement Device
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a special mouth guard that pushes your lower jaw slightly forward when you sleep. One part of the device fits on your upper teeth and the other fits on your lower teeth. They are connected with a hinge so you can easily put them in and out of your mouth.
MADs prevent your throat muscles from collapsing in the middle of the night, maintaining a clear airway so you can breathe normally. Your dentist will adjust each component of the appliance to fit your smile, and more adjustments can be made if it doesn’t work for you right away. MADs are more portable and easier to maintain than CPAP machines, and they work well for most sleep apnea sufferers.
Tongue Retaining Mouthpiece
A tongue retaining mouthpiece is a lot like a MAD, but it has an area in between the upper and lower portions that your tongue goes into. The device creates suction that holds the tongue steady during sleep. The structure of your smile and jawbone may not allow for the forward movement that an MAD requires, so this is a reliable alternative.
Which Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance Is Right For You?
The best way to find out which sleep apnea dental appliance is right for you is to schedule a consultation with our dentist office in Michigan. Our sleep apnea dentist will assess your smile, bone structure and symptoms to determine what the ideal course of action will be. From there, we will take a mold of your mouth to create a custom dental appliance for you. We will also provide instructions on how to use and care for the appliance to give you the best chance at success.
If a dental appliance is not the right option for your sleep apnea symptoms, we can point you in the right direction for other treatment plans. Contact Clinton Dental Center today to learn more.
