Sleep apnea treatment in dentistry primarily involves the use of oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MAD), to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These devices work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea.
The oral appliance is custom-made by a dentist based on impressions or digital scans of the patient's mouth. It is designed to fit comfortably and effectively move the lower jaw forward, alleviating airway obstruction.
Dental treatment for sleep apnea is a non-invasive and effective alternative for patients with mild to moderate OSA who are unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
This treatment helps improve sleep quality, reduce snoring, and alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, while also preventing long-term health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea.