Sleep Apnea Treatment
in St. Louis MO
If you have been unsuccessful with your CPAP machine, Oral Appliance Therapy may be a better option.
An oral appliance is similar in appearance to an orthodontic retainer or the mouth guard devices used in sports. Customized for each patient, the oral appliances used in dental sleep medicine are created by a dentist who has had training beyond their original degree in this highly specialized area. There are several types of oral appliances, all of which are designed to advance slightly, the lower jaw to open the airway during sleep. An ideal solution for many cases of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances are easy to use and for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP they may be the only non-invasive option that can offer relief.
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Appliances Used in Our Office
Our office offers patients a particular advantage in that we use five (5) different oral appliances. The choice of which appliance to be used is based on many factors including the patient’s bite, their jaw size, number of teeth present, missing or broken teeth, range of motion, their tongue and soft palate size, whether they clench or grind teeth during sleep, and the severity of their apnea. Dr. Postol offers his expertise to help educate patients on which appliance option(s) would provide the best treatment solution and comfort for them.
We Offer the Following Options:
Adjustable PM Positioner
The Adjustable PM Positioner is a custom-made appliance constructed of a heat-sensitive acrylic that fits over the upper and lower teeth. The appliance is comfortable and allows some jaw movement (4mm). The appliance adjusts at the back, outside, near the molars and is easy to advance the jaw position to meet prescribed treatment. This appliance is easy to use, effective and durable.
EMA
The EMA is also a custom-made appliance that fits over the upper and lower teeth. It differs from the Adjustable PM Positioner in that it is in two pieces that connect with straps on the sides. This appliance uses a thinner plastic and can feel be less intrusive for patients who have smaller mouths or a concern about wearing something in their mouth.
The straps come in 5 different lengths and flexibilities which allows jaw position to be advanced gradually. While the thinner wall of this appliance and the flush fitting straps benefit fit, it is not as durable as other appliances nor is it as adjustable as some other appliances.
Dorsal Oral Appliance
This custom-made appliance is a two-piece that easily fits over the teeth. There is no connector in this style, allowing greater flexibility and movement for the wearer. Adjustments are made at the side of the upper piece with a key and screw mechanism. Wings at the sides of the bottom piece “ride” against ridges on the side of the top piece. This appliance is durable, made of nylon, and works well for patients who clench or grind their teeth during sleep. Small elastics (rubber bands) are used to keep the jaw from falling open during the night, although the patient is able to open the mouth partially, which can improve comfort when using the appliance.
The TAP® 3
The TAP® 3 appliance is a proven treatment protocol for mild to severe OSA. The relatively simple design attaches the upper and lower jaws together by utilizing a small hook and socket mechanism and holds the adjustment position until the device is removed. The TAP® 3 uses a small, detachable key that can be used by the patient to self-manage the adjustments incrementally, allowing the jaw the opportunity to adapt gradually, until the desired position is achieved. The key can be used while the appliance is in place and once adjusted correctly, the key is removed and the patient can completely close their mouth with the appliance inside. This unobtrusive, self-adjustability is one of the reasons TAP® has a compliance rate of 95%.
Oral Appliance Herbst
The SUAD, a custom-made appliance is made of heat-sensitive acrylic and is reinforced by a metal framework. The adjustment mechanism (Herbst) is positioned on the sides of the device and consists of a piston that slides within a tube. The appliance is comfortable on the teeth and the mechanism allows substantial freedom of movement in the jaw, making this option a frequent choice for patients who tend to grind their teeth heavily. Small elastics (rubber bands) are used to keep the jaw from falling open during the night although the patient is able to open the mouth partially, which can improve comfort when using the appliance.
What a great experience! EVERY ONE was so friendly and kind. It’s so wonderful that Dr. Postol takes real one on one time for each patient. It makes you feel comfortable and heard. I appreciated that so much!
Sasha R.
Oral Appliance Research
Research studies tell us that oral appliances are effective –
They work for 85 to 90% of patients who snore and
They work for 60 to 75% of patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea
Recent studies indicate that even in cases of severe sleep apnea oral appliance therapy is 40% successful
In addition, where up to as many as 40 to 60% of patients are non-compliant with their CPAP machines, oral appliances are perceived as less invasive and can increase compliance rates to close to 100%.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has stated that oral appliance therapy is indicated as a first treatment of choice for patients with primary snoring and/or mild obstructive sleep apnea and as a second treatment option for patients with moderate or severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP and/or are not good candidates for surgery.
Therefore, oral appliance therapy is indicated for:
- Primary/heavy snoring
- Mild or moderate sleep apnea and certain cases of severe OSA
- Poor tolerance of nasal CPAP
- Failure of surgery
- Use during travel
- In combination with nasal CPAP
Possible Side Effects of Oral Appliance Therapy
As you adjust to your oral appliance. you may temporarily experience certain symptoms that will abate as time goes on, but which should be mentioned to our office to allow us to make any necessary adjustments:
- Tension in the jaw
- Sore teeth or gums
- Excessive salivation or a dry mouth
- Temporary change in the bite
- Noises in the jaw joint (TMJ)
Should any of the following side effects occur, please call them to our attention as soon as you notice them:
- Jaw muscle or joint pain
- Permanent changes in the bite
- Slight movement of teeth
- Loosening of dental restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.)
Other Options
Surgery
Surgery for sleep apnea treatment is generally a last resort. The “cure” offered by surgery is not as reliable as patients might hope since the aging process often re-creates relaxing skin at the back of the throat in the area of the soft palate and allows the tongue to fall into the airway.
There are several forms of surgery that are available for sleep apnea sufferers, they include:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) removes excess tissue in the throat to make the airway wider. It is the most common surgery to treat sleep apnea in adults.
- Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty uses a laser to perform surgery. It is sometimes used to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea, although not all people benefit. This surgery is not approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to treat sleep apnea.
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