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What is Oral Appliance Therapy?





Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for someone who snores and has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). By wearing a custom-fitted oral sleep appliance at bedtime, you can improve your sleep, revitalize your health, and restore your daily alertness.









How Does an Oral Appliance Work?

It’s worn only during sleep, and it fits similar to a sports mouth guard or like an orthodontic retainer. The jaw is supported in a forward position, which helps maintain an open upper airway. The oral appliance is known to be an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. 

If you and your dentist agree that oral appliance therapy is the best treatment option for you, then your doctor will create a custom-made oral appliance for you. More than one hundred oral appliances have received FDA clearance, and your dentist will recommend the oral appliance that is best for you. In addition, oral appliance therapy is covered by many medical insurance plans. 






Our Patients Like Their Oral Device

An oral device is an effective, non-invasive treatment that easily fits into your lifestyle. Patients have said this about wearing an oral device:

  • Comfortable

  • Easy to wear

  • Quiet

  • Portable

  • Convenient for travel

  • Easy to care for


Your First Visit and How Dr. Greiner Can Help You

Authorized dentists are trained to treat snoring and sleep apnea. During your first visit, Dr. Greiiner will talk to you about the benefits of treatment. You also will receive information on the potential side effects and the cost of therapy. 

Then Dr. Greiner will conduct a complete clinical evaluation. This will include an examination of your teeth, jaw, tongue and airway, and possibly a new X-ray of your mouth. 


Creating Your New Oral Appliance and Customizing the Fit

Oral appliances are customized using digital or physical impressions and models of your teeth. These models are sent to a dental lab where the appliance is made. 

Once your oral appliance is ready, you will return to your dentist’s office for a fitting. Your dentist will adjust the appliance to maximize its comfort and effectiveness. You also will learn how to clean the oral appliance and maintain it. After this fitting, your sleep doctor may schedule you for a sleep study to verify treatment success.

 

Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up visits with your dentist will be needed to ensure the optimal fit of the oral appliance. Effective oral appliances are always custom fit and adjusted over time to ensure maximum effectiveness. Dr. Greiner and his team will also schedule you for an annual assessment. These routine visits are an important part of your long-term treatment success.


Living Your Life with Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy can treat your snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and make you feel like a new person. Your symptoms and your quality of life can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly. You’ll most likely sleep better, have more energy during the day, and you’ll feel more alert than before. If you share a bed with a partner, that person will probably sleep better too.


Treating sleep apnea promotes a healthier heart, body, and mind. With Dr. Greiner’s help, you can improve your sleep and your health!


Call for an appointment today: (206) 364-1220

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