Struggling with Your CPAP? How Your Dentist Can Help Manage Sleep Apnea

If you’re one of the millions of people diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may have already been prescribed a CPAP machine to help manage your symptoms. While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is highly effective, it’s not for everyone. In fact, studies show that about 50% of patients who start using a CPAP machine eventually stop due to discomfort, noise, or difficulty sleeping with the device (source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine). But don’t worry—if your CPAP isn’t working for you, your dentist can help!

At Capstone Dentistry in Shawnee, we offer a comfortable and effective alternative: oral appliance therapy. Let’s explore how this treatment works and why it might be the solution you’ve been searching for.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but serious condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, blocking the airway. These interruptions can happen dozens of times per night, leaving you tired, irritable, and at risk for long-term health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure.

While CPAP is the most well-known treatment, it’s not the only option. If you’ve struggled to stick with your CPAP, oral appliance therapy could be a game-changer.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a custom-fitted device, similar to a mouthguard, while you sleep. This device repositions your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open and reduce the interruptions in breathing that occur with sleep apnea.

Unlike CPAP machines, which can be bulky and difficult to sleep with, oral appliances are small, silent, and easy to use. They’re designed to be both comfortable and effective, making it much easier to get a good night’s sleep.

The Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is recognized by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) as an effective treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Here are some of the benefits of choosing oral appliance therapy over CPAP:

• Comfort: Oral appliances are much smaller and less intrusive than a CPAP machine, allowing for greater comfort and freedom of movement during sleep.
• Quiet: No more loud CPAP machines disrupting your or your partner’s sleep! Oral appliances are completely silent.
• Easy to Use: Simply pop the device into your mouth before bed—no complicated equipment or masks to adjust.
• Travel-Friendly: Oral appliances are portable, making them an ideal solution for frequent travelers.

In fact, research shows that patients who switch to oral appliance therapy from CPAP are more likely to adhere to their treatment long-term (source: AADSM).

How Can Your Dentist Help?

At Capstone Dentistry, we specialize in creating custom-fitted oral appliances that are tailored to your unique needs. Here’s how the process works:

1. Initial Consultation: During your first visit, we’ll discuss your sleep apnea diagnosis and assess whether oral appliance therapy is right for you. We’ll also take measurements and impressions to ensure the appliance fits perfectly.
2. Custom Appliance Creation: Your oral appliance will be custom-made for your mouth, ensuring it’s comfortable to wear and effective in treating your sleep apnea.
3. Fitting and Adjustments: Once your appliance is ready, we’ll make sure it fits properly and make any necessary adjustments. We’ll also provide guidance on how to care for and maintain the appliance.
4. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-ups allow us to monitor your progress and ensure the appliance continues to work effectively.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?

Oral appliance therapy is most effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate their CPAP machine. It can also be a good solution for those who travel frequently or prefer a more portable, discreet option for managing their sleep apnea.

If you’re unsure whether oral appliance therapy is the right choice, we can help. At Capstone Dentistry, we work closely with sleep specialists to ensure you get the best treatment for your condition. We’ll help you explore all your options and find the solution that fits your lifestyle.

Don’t Lose Sleep Over Your CPAP

If you’ve been struggling with your CPAP machine or simply want to explore other options, oral appliance therapy could be the solution you need. At Capstone Dentistry in Shawnee, we’re dedicated to helping our patients achieve better sleep and better health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help manage your sleep apnea without the hassle of a CPAP.