Office Hours Monday – Thursday 8am – 5pm   362 New Byhalia Rd. Suite 3 Collierville, TN 38017  901-853-8116  Collierville Dental Sleep Medicine Oral appliances are indicated for medically diagnosed sleep apnea, with or without CPAP experience. The sleep physician may recommend an oral appliance as a first choice for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Often patients seen at Collierville Dental Sleep Medicine are those with issues concerning intolerance or difficulty wearing a Constant Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) unit. Disruptive or loud snoring that bothers others' sleep is also an indication for an oral appliance. Since snoring in the absence of any obstructive disordered breathing is not a recognized medical condition, medical insurance is unlikely to provide benefits, but the appliances are quite useful in reducing snoring.
Oral Appliance Therapy Oral appliances are worn in the mouth to treat snoring and OSA. These devices are similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth guards but are much more detailed in their construction. Oral Appliance Therapy involves the selection, design, fitting and use of a custom designed and adjustable oral appliance that is worn during sleep. This appliance then attempts to maintain an opened, unobstructed airway in the throat. There are many different oral appliances available. Approximately 40 appliances have been approved through the FDA for treatment of snoring and/or Sleep Apnea. Oral appliances may be used alone or in combination with other means of treating OSA. These means include general health, weight management, surgery, or CPAP. Oral appliances work in several ways: • Repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula • Stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue • Increasing the muscle tone of the tongue Dentists with training in Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) are familiar with the various designs of appliances. They can determine which one is best suited for your specific needs. Dr. Blanton will work and communicate with your sleep physician, primary care physician and your family dentist as part of the medical team in your diagnosis, treatment, and on-going care. Determination of proper therapy can only be made by joint consultation of Dr. Blanton and your sleep physician. Initiation of oral appliance therapy can take from several weeks to several months to complete. Dr. Blanton will continue to monitor your treatment and evaluate the response of your teeth and jaws.   Oral Appliance Treatment  901-853-8116  |
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