An oral sleep appliance or snoring appliance is a custom-made device used to treat sleep apnea and snoring. It looks like a retainer or mouth guard, and it works by keeping the jaw in a forward position to ensure the upper airway remains open. A small and simple snoring appliance provided by Dr. Rinaldi may be all you need to enjoy a restful night of sleep.
Snoring appliances come with a number of advantages, including the following:
1) They’re easy to use.
The patient simply has to put them in their mouth every night before going to bed. After your consultation with Dr. Rinaldi, you will be provided with a specially designed, custom fitted device for optimal effectiveness and comfort. Cleaning an oral appliance is also simple; they usually only need to be rinsed and occasionally soaked. They can also be cleaned with a toothbrush.
2) Insurance companies usually cover them.
Doctors have been prescribing oral sleep appliances as treatments for sleep apnea and snoring for years. They are, therefore, proven and medically necessary treatments, and most insurance companies cover them as such.
3) They can treat any level of sleep apnea.
Snoring can sometimes be a symptom of a serious disorder called sleep apnea, a condition in which the patient momentarily stops breathing while asleep. An oral sleep appliance is the standard treatment for mild or moderate cases of sleep apnea. More severe cases are usually treated with a CPAP machine, but not all patients can or will use CPAP machines. Oral sleep appliances can help patients with severe sleep apnea who can’t use CPAP machines.
4) Oral sleep appliances are easy to transport.
One of the drawbacks of CPAP machines is that they tend to be cumbersome. A CPAP machine often needs a special bag to carry it and its accessories. A retainer-sized oral sleep appliance can be carried in a case that fits into a handbag or even a jacket pocket. Patients who travel will therefore have no problem taking their appliance with them.
5) Oral sleep appliances are comfortable.
Oral sleep appliances are custom-made to ensure a perfect fit. When necessary, Dr. Rinaldi can and will adjust them to ensure maximum comfort for the patient. Unlike CPAP machines, oral sleep appliances don’t involve wearing a mask over their face or prongs in their nose.
6) Oral sleep appliances are durable.
If properly cared for, a snoring appliance can last years. They are typically made of a sturdy plastic and may have metal parts.
7) Oral sleep appliances are quiet.
CPAP machines, while effective, are noisy. They thus disturb the patient and anybody sharing their bed. Oral sleep appliances, by contrast, make no noise at all.
If you are dealing with sleep apnea or chronic snoring issues, a snoring appliance specially designed by Dr. Rinaldi will likely be able to help you. Andover Smiles is located in North Andover, and our experienced team is ready to provide you with the care you need. Contact us today to learn more.
