Sleep Apnea Treatment
Orthodontic Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, blocking the flow of air. While snoring is the most recognized symptom, it's often accompanied by a range of other effects including excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, memory issues, dry mouth, acid reflux, high blood pressure, and mood changes. At Midtown Orthodontics, we offer treatment with mandibular advancement devices (MADs) as a non-invasive treatment option for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These custom-fitted oral appliances gently reposition the lower jaw during sleep to keep the airway open, allowing for a more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
Our Treatment Process
Getting started with sleep apnea treatment is a straightforward process, but it does involve collaboration with your physician or sleep specialist to make sure you get the right treatment for your specific situation.
Initial Evaluation
We begin with a thorough assessment of your teeth, jaw, and bite to determine whether orthodontic intervention is a suitable option for you. If you haven't already been evaluated by a physician or sleep specialist, we'll refer you to one for a formal sleep study. A confirmed diagnosis is an important first step before moving forward with any oral appliance.
Collaborative Treatment
Once we have your diagnosis and confirm that a mandibular adjustment device (MAD) is appropriate, we'll take precise digital scans to create a custom appliance fitted specifically to your mouth. We'll walk you through how it works, what to expect when you first start wearing it, and how to adjust to it comfortably.
Fitting & Adjustments
After your device is fitted, we'll gradually adjust it over time to find the position that keeps your airway open most effectively. This process, known as titration, is done carefully and at your pace to ensure both comfort and results. Follow-up sleep testing may be used to objectively measure improvement.
Follow-up
We'll schedule regular check-ins to assess how the device is working and make any necessary adjustments. Annual follow-ups are recommended to ensure the appliance continues to fit well and perform effectively as your needs change over time.
Understanding Sleep Apnea Severity
Not all sleep apnea is the same, and treatment depends heavily on how severe it is. Sleep apnea is typically classified into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe, based on how many times per hour the airway collapses during sleep.
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a mandibular advancement device is a well-established and effective treatment option. For severe cases, CPAP therapy is generally the first-line recommendation. That said, for patients who find CPAP intolerable or difficult to use consistently, a MAD can be a viable alternative worth discussing with your physician.
Do I Need a Sleep Study Before Getting Treatment?
Yes. A formal diagnosis from a physician or sleep specialist is required before we can fit an oral appliance. If you haven't had a sleep study yet, we'll point you in the right direction to get one.
MADs vs. CPAP
The gold standard treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP, a machine that delivers continuous pressurized air through a hose and mask to keep the airway open during sleep. When worn consistently, it is highly effective. However, many patients struggle to tolerate it due to discomfort, claustrophobia, or the inconvenience of travelling with equipment.
For those who can't or won't use CPAP, a custom oral appliance is a proven alternative. A mandibular advancement device is a small, custom-fitted mouthpiece that gently positions the lower jaw forward, pulling the tongue away from the back of the airway. It's discreet, portable, non-surgical, and requires no masks or hoses.
Our Approach to Treatment
Treating sleep apnea with an oral appliance requires more than just fitting a device.
At Midtown Orthodontics, we work closely with your physician and sleep specialist throughout the process. We coordinate with your medical team, carefully adjust your appliance to achieve the best result, and manage any side effects along the way.
Getting the right outcome requires the right training and the right team, and we take that responsibility seriously.
How Will I Know if Treatment is Working?
Many patients notice improvements in sleep quality and daytime energy fairly quickly. We also use follow-up sleep testing to objectively measure how well the appliance is managing your airway throughout the night.
Reviews After Treatment
See what people have to say about our orthodontic treatments.
