5 Benefits of an Oral Appliance for Better Sleep & Health

Do you often wake up feeling just as tired as when you went to bed? Symptoms like loud snoring, dry mouth, getting up more than once in the night to use the washroom, morning headaches, or feeling sluggish during the day can point to a deeper issue with your sleep. 

These experiences might be related to how you breathe at night, which can prevent you from getting the rest your body needs. In many cases, these are signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that interrupts breathing as you sleep.

If you have sleep apnea, there are ways other than CPAP to help you rest better. An oral appliance for sleep apnea is a custom-fit device that can help you get restful, uninterrupted sleep by keeping your airway open throughout the night. This simple solution can make a difference in your daily life and overall wellness.

An Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which your airway becomes blocked while you sleep, interrupting your breathing. An oral appliance is a simple device that helps keep your airway open so you can get a full night of rest.

This special kind of oral appliance is like a custom-fit nightguard you might wear for sports. It’s just engineered differently. You place it in your mouth before you go to sleep. The device helps to gently shift your lower jaw forward, which can create just enough space at the back of your throat to open your airway and help you breathe continuously all night long.

We use Sleep Apnea Appliances that are Scientifically Proven Effective

• Mandibular advancement devices (MADs): This device fits over your upper and lower teeth to hold your jaw forward slightly. These medical grade devices are what we use.

Benefit 1: A Comfortable & Quiet Night’s Sleep

One of the main advantages of an oral appliance is its simplicity and comfort. Because it is custom-made to fit your mouth precisely using innovative digital impressions, it feels natural and is easy to wear through the night. This helps you adapt to it quickly.

A Silent & Less Intrusive Option

Unlike noisy or bulky machines, an oral appliance is small, discreet, and completely silent. Its small size means you can sleep in any position you find comfortable without worrying about tubes or masks.

Ease of Travel

An oral appliance is compact and easy to transport. It fits into a small case and doesn’t require electricity or batteries, making it a convenient option when you’re away from home. You can just pack it and go, maintaining your treatment routine wherever you are, which helps contribute to your overall health and wellness.

Benefit 2: Improved Daily Energy & Alertness

When sleep apnea interrupts your rest, you often wake up feeling like you haven’t slept at all. By helping you breathe properly, an oral appliance can encourage your body to get the deep, restorative sleep it needs to support your wellness. This can help lead to improvements in how you feel each day.

Address Daytime Fatigue

Sleep apnea can cause you to wake up many times during the night, even if you don’t remember it. This cycle can prevent you from reaching the deeper stages of sleep, leading to daytime tiredness. An appliance helps you achieve uninterrupted rest so you can wake up feeling refreshed.

Enhance Your Focus

Poor sleep directly affects your ability to concentrate and think clearly. With better sleep quality, you may notice an improvement in your focus at work, your memory, and your overall mental clarity. This can help you feel more present and productive throughout your day.

Benefit 3: Better Overall Health & Well-Being

Addressing sleep apnea goes beyond just stopping snoring or feeling less tired. Consistent, quality sleep has positive effects on your long-term health. Addressing sleep apnea is related to maintaining your overall well-being, especially since sleep can be affected by other conditions.

Support Your Cardiovascular Health

Untreated sleep apnea can put a strain on your heart. Every time your breathing stops, your oxygen levels drop, which can affect your blood pressure. A sleep appliance helps maintain a steady flow of oxygen throughout the night, which supports your cardiovascular system and the important connection between oral and overall health.

Boost Your Mood

A lack of quality sleep could make anyone feel irritable or down. By helping you get consistent, restful sleep, an oral appliance can contribute to a more stable and positive mood. Feeling well-rested makes it easier to handle daily stresses.

Benefit 4: A Simple & Convenient Treatment Process

Getting started with an oral appliance is usually a straightforward process that focuses on your unique needs and comfort. It’s designed to be as easy for you as possible.

A Custom Fit Just for You

The process typically begins with a consultation, during which your dentist may take impressions of your teeth. These impressions are then used to create a device that is moulded to your mouth. This custom fit is important for both its effectiveness and your comfort.

Comprehensive Care in One Place

Your dentist can manage your entire treatment plan from start to finish. You can get your assessment, impressions, and final fitting all in one location, with no need for outside referrals. This makes your path to better sleep as smooth as possible.

Benefit 5: An Effective Alternative to CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) is a common treatment for sleep apnea. However, the machine can be difficult for some people to use consistently. An oral appliance offers another path to a good night’s sleep.

Who Can Benefit from an Oral Appliance

Oral appliances are often a good choice for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are also a helpful alternative for those who find it hard to adapt to a CPAP machine. Your comfort and preference are important factors in any successful treatment.

Consistency Is Key

For sleep apnea treatment to work, it should be used every night. Many people find oral appliances more comfortable and convenient, which makes them more likely to use the device consistently. This improved adherence can lead to significant health benefits and a better quality of life.

Let Us Help You Fall Asleep

An oral appliance can be a simple and effective way to improve your sleep, energy, and overall health. At Northwest Dental Centre, we provide comprehensive care in Calgary’s Northwest, from your first consultation to your custom fitting. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you find a solution for a more restful night.