Oral Appliance Treatment in Tampa & St. Petersburg

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a proven, comfortable alternative to CPAP for managing sleep apnea. This treatment involves wearing a custom-made device, similar to a mouthguard, while you sleep.

The appliance gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open, preventing the airway collapses that cause sleep apnea episodes.

How Oral Appliance Treatment Works

Oral devices work by shifting the lower jaw forward or stabilizing the tongue, which prevents the soft tissues in your throat from collapsing and blocking your airway. This simple adjustment can drastically improve your breathing and allow for more consistent, uninterrupted sleep.

Each oral appliance is custom-fitted to your mouth, making it a comfortable and discreet solution that works while you rest.

Types of Oral Appliances

At Breathe Sleep Center, we offer different types of oral appliances to meet your individual needs. These appliances, known as Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), adjust the position of your lower jaw (mandible), moving it slightly forward to keep the airway open.

Our dental sleep expert will help you choose the right device based on your condition, comfort, and sleep patterns.

Who Can Receive Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for many people dealing with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, especially those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.

You may be a good candidate for oral appliance therapy if:

• You have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea
• You have tried CPAP therapy but find it uncomfortable or ineffective
• You are looking for a less intrusive, travel-friendly solution
• You snore loudly, which can be a symptom of sleep apnea

However, oral device therapy isn’t for everyone. Patients with severe sleep apnea or specific anatomical issues may require alternative treatments. Our team will assess your condition and recommend the most effective solution.

How Can a Dentist Help with My Sleep Apnea?

You might not think of your dentist when it comes to treating sleep apnea, but at Breathe Sleep Center, we specialize in dental sleep medicine.

Dr. Justin Elikofer, our highly trained sleep dentist in Tampa and St. Petersburg, works closely with patients to provide personalized treatments through oral appliance therapy.

With advanced training in sleep apnea treatment, Dr. Elikofer helps patients find relief from their symptoms and get back to sleeping soundly.

Short-Term Benefits

While better sleep is invaluable to your long-term health, you’ll start to notice a difference right away after starting treatment.

Comfort

Oral appliances are custom-fitted to your mouth, making them more comfortable than CPAP masks, which can cause irritation and discomfort.

Quiet

Unlike a CPAP machine, which can be noisy, oral devices are silent and unobtrusive, allowing you and your partner to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

Portable

Oral devices are compact, easily packed, and no trouble to travel with. This makes them an excellent option for patients who are often on the go.

Long-Term Benefits

New research continues to show just how important consistent, quality sleep is for our mental and physical health, both of which can be vastly improved with dedicated sleep care.

Improved Sleep Quality

By eliminating snoring and keeping your airway open, oral device therapy can help you achieve deeper, more restorative sleep over time.

Better Health

Treating sleep apnea reduces your risk for serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and even depression and anxiety.

Increased Energy

Many patients report that they feel more refreshed, energized, and alert throughout the day when they have consistent, uninterrupted sleep.

The Process of Getting Your Oral Appliance

At Breathe Sleep Center, we follow a simple, patient-focused process to ensure that your oral device fits comfortably and works effectively. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation

We’ll assess your sleep apnea condition during your first visit and review your medical history to determine whether oral device therapy is the right solution for you.

Custom Fitting

If oral device therapy is recommended, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and mouth to create a custom-fit appliance designed just for you.

Device Fabrication

Once your impressions are taken, they’re sent to a specialized lab where your oral device will be fabricated. This process typically takes a few weeks.

Fitting Appointment

After your device is ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. We’ll ensure the appliance fits comfortably and make any necessary adjustments.

Follow-Up

We’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure the device is working effectively. Adjustments may be made over time to improve comfort and functionality.

Tips for Oral Appliance Therapy

To get the most out of your oral device therapy, here are a few tips:

Wear It Consistently

Make sure to wear your oral appliance every night to maximize its effectiveness.

Clean It Regularly

Keep your device clean by following the instructions provided by our team. This will help maintain the appliance and prevent bacterial buildup.

Store It Properly

When not in use, store your appliance in a protective case to avoid damage.

Schedule Regular Checkups

Visit us for regular follow-ups so we can assess how the device is working and make any necessary adjustments.

Following these tips will ensure that your device remains in top condition and continues to help you sleep soundly.