CPAP Alternative
CPAP Alternative
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is appropriate for sleep apnea patients who have dental implants or are currently getting dental treatments like braces. That said, if your teeth and gums are in decent condition and you cannot tolerate CPAP for any reason, Luna Wellness Centre offers another solution: oral appliance therapy. We use custom-made oral appliances to help patients in Grande Prairie and surrounding areas better manage their sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea. If you’re struggling with mild to moderate sleep apnea or severe sleep apnea, please get in touch with us. If your diagnosis is positive for sleep apnea, we can digitally scan your teeth (maximizing comfort and precision) and fabricate an oral appliance.
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?
The back of your throat can sometimes get blocked for several reasons. You may experience pressure around your throat, have a naturally smaller jaw, or your tongue or tonsils are blocking your airway. Even the natural shape of someone’s throat can make this area prone to blockage. When this area gets blocked, that’s generally when sleep apnea occurs.
Oral appliances address this issue and keep your airway open while sleeping. They are similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards, as they fit over both your top and bottom teeth. This aims to keep your lower jaw pushed slightly forward so your throat stays open, even during the deepest parts of your sleep cycle and during REM sleep. This position is key to preventing the airway from becoming blocked and stopping those loud snoring sounds or sudden wake-ups from sleep apnea.
Our dentists use at-home sleep tests throughout the treatment to see exactly how well the appliance is working for you. We adjust it if needed to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. Based on your condition, we may choose either a mandibular advancement device or a tongue-retaining device.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
These are the most common types of oral appliances we use to treat sleep apnea. They slightly push your lower jaw (mandible) forward to prevent your tongue and throat tissues from collapsing back into the airway. Think of it as gently holding the door open to your airway throughout the night. Since MADs are adjustable, they allow us to fine-tune the positioning of your jaw for best results.
A Non-Invasive Solution to Provide Sustainable Relief from Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Health Canada approved our oral appliances at Luna Wellness Centre as a first-line defense against obstructive sleep apnea if this treatment is deemed medically necessary.
That said, we never push any particular treatment on our patients. We’ll explore other options if you’re using an oral appliance that isn’t working or are struggling getting used to it. Our confidence comes from our extensive experience treating many patients and from our own research on how effective these oral devices are.
Explore Sleep Apnea Treatments Beyond CPAP
Choosing the right treatment for sleep apnea can be quite a difficult decision, as there are many options. At Luna Wellness Centre, we have seen other alternatives—oral appliance therapy, lifestyle changes, and positional therapy—not only work but also work well. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
