If you have sleep apnea, you’ve likely already explored the amazing benefits of oral appliance therapy. One of the biggest appeals is how comfortable they are in comparison to CPAP. However, there are a few benefits that most patients forget to consider. If you’re thinking of opting for oral appliance therapy to manage your sleep apnea, explore some additional benefits you will experience.
1. Energy Efficient
Living in Lee’s Summit, MO means running the air conditioner all summer and the heater all winter. This can often result in higher energy bills during these high usage months. With CPAP, you have to use electricity to ensure you get a good night of sleep. This is just another addition to your electric bill. One of the benefits of oral appliances is that it won’t cost you anything extra on your energy bill. Using an oral appliance requires no electricity. Simply place it in your mouth and you’re ready to sleep for the night.
2. Discreet
Staying the night with a friend or family member can feel embarrassing if you have to lug around a CPAP machine. With an oral appliance, you can manage your sleep apnea in a more discreet manner. Oral appliances fit comfortably in your mouth like a mouthguard. Some are even made with a translucent material. They’re discreet to use which means you don’t have to feel embarrassed about your sleep apnea treatment.
3. Convenient
Traveling with an oral appliance is incredibly easy. It’s compact and can fit snugly in a backpack, purse, or in your suitcase. There’s no need to check an extra bag or skip a camping trip because there’s no electricity. You can bring your oral appliance with you anywhere without inconveniencing your life.
4. Correct Underlying Problems
The last benefit of oral appliances is that some of them can correct the underlying problems that cause your sleep-disordered breathing. For example, the ALF appliance straightens and develops the arches and teeth into a healthy alignment to open the airway and even treat TMJ disorders. This means once you achieve your needed results, you won’t have to wear an appliance at night anymore.
5. Manage Bruxism, Clenching, and TMJ Disorders at the Same Time
It’s fairly common for people with sleep apnea to also have a TMJ disorder or clench and grind their teeth. With oral appliance therapy, our TMJ and sleep dentists can help you manage all of your conditions simultaneously.
Oral appliance therapy is a great option for anyone who snores regularly or has sleep apnea. Find out if it’s the right treatment for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Pribyl or Dr. Kleoppel today by calling (816) 795-1000.
