Oral appliance therapy is a convenient and effective way to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is also a favorite among patients; it has a significantly higher compliance rate than CPAP therapy, which is the most common OSA treatment. Of course, it still must be admitted that adjusting to a new oral appliance can take some time and patience. What can you do to make the transition easier? This blog post contains some helpful tips.
Common Issues with New Oral Appliances
Even though an oral appliance is custom designed for your unique mouth, your body will still recognize it as a foreign object. Because of that, you might experience:
- Tightness and discomfort. A degree of tightness can actually be a good thing; a snug fit lowers the risk that your appliance will slip out of your mouth while you are asleep. You might also notice that the hard plastic of your appliance is mildly uncomfortable.
- Drooling. Any foreign object in your mouth can lead to increased saliva production.
- Gagging. If your gag reflux is sensitive, you might initially find it challenging to keep your appliance in your mouth.
- Nighttime removals. Some people unconsciously take their appliance out of their mouth while they are sleeping. You might even end up throwing it across the room!
Getting Through the Adjustment Period
Most people are comfortable with their oral appliance after just a few weeks. Here are some tips to help you during that adjustment period:
- Use it consistently. Skipping nights can lengthen your adjustment period. Consider wearing it for short periods during your waking hours to get used to it.
- Breathe through your nose. This can help calm a strong gag reflex. You can also try this during the day in order to prepare your body for using your appliance at night.
- Communicate with your care provider. If you experience persistent discomfort or have concerns about your treatment, contact your dentist. They may need to adjust or replace your device.
Oral appliance therapy is convenient, effective, and very comfortable for most patients! Give yourself a bit of time to adjust to your new device, and hopefully, it will soon be a natural part of your nightly routine.
About the Practice
Drs. Lori Hare, Billie Reeder, and Robin Ross are proud to provide top-quality oral appliance therapy for the Tulsa community. If you have questions about this treatment method or how you can make a success out of it, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Tulsa office at 918-300-4325.