Oral Appliance Therapy: Just as Effective as CPAP
Although CPAP was the first treatment developed and gained a reputation as the best way to treat sleep apnea, science shows that oral appliance therapy is just as effective at treating sleep apnea. When the two treatments are compared, they both have an impact on:
- High blood pressure
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Psychological effects
When CPAP is actually used, it’s 100% effective at treating sleep apnea. The main problem with this treatment option, however, is that it’s uncomfortable and inconvenient to use, resulting in a lack of use.
Of the patients who are supposed to use it, less than half actually use it for the recommended 4 hours a night. Although oral appliances aren’t as effective at treating sleep apnea, they do have a higher usage rate. Over 90% of people meet the minimum threshold for use and over 80% use it every night, all night. The health benefits can be just as good if not better than CPAP.
Comfort with Oral Appliances
One of the top reasons people don’t use their CPAP regularly is because it’s uncomfortable. CPAP users may experience:
- Dry throat
- Skin irritation
- Nose irritation
- Acne and other skin conditions
- Nightmares
- Restricted motion from hoses
It’s no wonder patients are less likely to use CPAP than oral appliances. With oral appliance therapy, there is no mask or hoses involved. All of the issues above are not a problem with oral appliances. The appliance is custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly. You won’t notice any side effects or discomfort. It feels just like wearing a retainer for a restful night of sleep.
Oral Appliances Work for All Levels of Sleep Apnea
It was a common belief in the past that oral appliances were only good for mild to moderate levels of sleep apnea. Today, we know that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for severe sleep apnea. In some cases, CPAP may be a better treatment. Talk to our St. Louis sleep dentist to find out what option is best for you.
Oral Appliance Therapy Is Covered By Insurance
It was common for insurance companies to never cover oral appliances in the past. However, that battle is finally over. Now that insurance companies know how effective they are, they are more willing to cover the appliances without any hassle.
Oral Appliances Are Simple
There’s nothing complicated about oral appliance therapy. It’s simple to use them, maintain them, and adjust them. To use your appliance, simply put it in your mouth. There’s no straps or hoses to deal with. As far as adjustments go, your adjustments are limited to using a screwdriver to adjust a screw. To maintain your oral appliance, simply rinse it after every use and soak it in a recommended cleaner every once in a while to deep clean it. Maintenance is much easier than dealing with all of the hoses, masks, and pumps associated with a CPAP.
Convenient
It’s never been easier to treat sleep apnea on the go. An oral appliance is extra convenient to travel with. Simply put it in its case and take it with you. Don’t worry about dealing with a huge machine, outlets, hoses, and a mask.
Ready to treat your sleep apnea or snoring with oral appliance therapy in St. Louis? With so many benefits of oral appliance therapy, it’s a no brainer to give it a try. Please call (314) 678-7876 today for an appointment with sleep dentist Dr. Chris Hill in Richmond Heights, MO.
Treating sleep apnea has never been easier with oral appliance therapy. Visit Smile On Dental Studio for sleep apnea treatment. End your snoring for good and finally wake up feeling rested.
