‘Oral appliances can be a life-saving alternative to CPAP Machines’

Michelle Sands, Registered Dental Hygienist and Silent Night Therapy’s Sleep Apnea Director, said that oral appliance therapy is growing as an alternative to CPAP machines for patients.

“Oral appliances can be a life-saving alternative to CPAP machines,” said Sands.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines have been the go-to treatment, but compliance can be low due to discomfort. Recently, there has been growing interest in alternative treatments, particularly oral appliances prescribed by dentists, which are gaining popularity as an effective solution for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. These custom-made devices reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, offering a less intrusive option than CPAP machines.

“The oral appliance functions as a mouthpiece, gently positioning the lower jaw forward. While it may not be flawless, like adjusting to a CPAP, patients typically acclimate to wearing it in their mouth over time,” said Sands. She explained that Silent Night Therapy’s approach involves crafting a custom fit and design, prioritizing patient comfort and tolerance. Gradual adjustments ensure the jaw is not overly strained, with progress monitored through follow-up appointments. “We assess the patient’s comfort level and symptom improvement, making minor adjustments as needed, typically in millimeter increments,” Sands added.

According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), the role of dentists in treating sleep apnea is expanding rapidly. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify potential cases of sleep apnea during routine check-ups, thanks to their knowledge of oral and maxillofacial anatomy. More dentists are undergoing specialized training in sleep medicine to diagnose and treat sleep apnea with oral appliances. These devices, known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are custom-fitted by dentists to ensure comfort and efficacy. The AADSM has highlighted the importance of collaboration between dentists and sleep physicians to optimize patient care and outcomes.

“This changing landscape underscores the importance of exploring diverse treatment modalities tailored to individual patient needs,” said Sands. She noted that oral appliance therapy has shown significant efficacy in treating sleep apnea, particularly in patients who find CPAP therapy intolerable. “Studies have demonstrated that mandibular advancement devices can reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms and improve overall sleep quality. Patients often report higher satisfaction with oral appliances compared to CPAP machines due to the comfort and ease of use.” Moreover, Sands highlighted these devices are portable, silent, and do not require electricity, making them a convenient option for many patients.

According to the Silent Night Therapy website, Sands entered the practice in 2011 with over 25 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Currently holding the position of Sleep Apnea Director at Silent Night Therapy, she focuses on a holistic approach to sleep apnea so their patients recover health completely starting with quality sleep.