Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects your breathing as it causes the soft tissue in the back of your throat to relax while you are sleeping, which blocks your airway. The good news is that there are several ways of treating sleep apnea, including the use of devices. These devices can help reposition your tongue or jaw and keep your airway open. Here are some of the most common devices used today.
Nerve Stimulation Devices
This device is about the size of a pacemaker. Doctors implant these devices inside your chest. You will then use a small remote to switch the device when you go to sleep and off when you wake up. The device will monitor your breathing patterns, and, in case of a blockage, it sends a signal to the nerves controlling your tongue causing it to move forward, keeping the airway open.
Mandibular Advancement Device
Mouth devices or mouth guards are a standard method of treating sleep apnea. One of the mouth devices that can help with sleep apnea is the Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). This device looks like the mouth guard that athletes use, and you can snap it over the bottom and top of your teeth. The device has hinges that allow your lower jaw to ease forward, keeping your soft palate and tongue stable. This way, your airway will stay open while you are sleeping.
Tongue Retaining Device
The Tongue Retaining Device (TRD) is yet another ideal oral appliance for treating sleep apnea. This device is a small piece of plastic that holds your tongue in place, keeping your airway open. It resembles an adult size pacifier, and it has a hole where you can insert your tongue.
To get the best out of the mandibular advancement and tongue training devices, you should schedule an appointment with our professionals to have it custom-made. Having your device fit according to the positioning of your jaw will result in better sleep. Contact us for the right oral devices and more treatment options for sleep apnea.
Young Jun DDS MD FACS, 601 E. Yorba Linda Blvd. #9, Placentia, CA 92870 / (657) 216-1617 / placentiaoralsurgery.com / 12/22/2024 / Page Keywords: dental implants Placentia CA /
Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects your breathing as it causes the soft tissue in the back of your throat to relax while you are sleeping, which blocks your airway. The good news is that there are several ways of treating sleep apnea, including the use of devices. These devices can help reposition your tongue or jaw and keep your airway open. Here are some of the most common devices used today.