Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD):
A Mandibular Advancement Device is a durable medical device that consists of an upper and lower tray with an apparatus to make adjustments. We work with an FDA approved lab to fabricate your device. It is custom fit to your mouth and custom fit to your jaw and range of motion. We take digital scans of your teeth and record your range of motion to help us obtain the proper starting position of your device. We will complete a comprehensive TMJ and dental exam to determine your starting jaw position with the appliance. The appliance comes with several trays in order for us to titrate (adjust) the appliance as needed. We will work with you closely throughout this process to achieve your therapeutic position. We will also fit you for a device that you will wear in the morning for 10-15 minutes to realign your jaw.
Lifestyle Changes
For some people, making lifestyle changes can dramatically help alleviate symptoms. In collaboration with you sleep physician, we can help you decide which combination of changes are best for you. Below are some of the options that we may recommend to help with your sleep apnea:
- Change your sleep position. Sleeping on your back can increase the number of sleep apnea episodes. Switching to sleeping on your side can help alleviate this problem. In fact, there are devices that you can wear or pillows you can use to alert you if you are sleeping on your back.
- Avoid consuming alcohol. Alcohol consumption can make sleep apnea worse. If you consume alcohol regularly, cut back or stop your intake to reduce your sleep apnea symptoms.
- Avoid heavy meals before bedtime.
- Lose weight and exercise more. Being overweight can greatly increase your risk of sleep apnea. Believe it or not, but the tongue gains fat which increases your sleep apnea. Weight loss must be done safely, and exercising as well. Work with your doctor to find a weight loss and exercise regimen that works for you. Losing weight can be especially effective if it’s combined with changing your sleep position.
Surgical Options
Procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), tonsillectomy, or nasal surgery may be considered when other ineffective treatments or anatomical issues are the primary cause of snoring. Implanting a device in your chest to stimulate movement of your tongue forward is another surgical option. Note that surgery is a last resort, typically only recommended when the snoring and resulting oxygen deprivation or lifestyle endangerment is serious enough to warrant it. Other treatment options will be tried before surgery may become necessary as a last resort.
Why Choose Alabama Dental and Sleep Wellness Center?
Patients choose Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness Center for a variety of reasons. We offer a safe, professional sleep apnea alternative in Alabaster, AL, that can help you treat your sleep apnea and/or snoring. Our goal is for you to enjoy a safer, more productive sleep at night. We will work with you closely in titrating the appliance to obtain your individual therapeutic position. We will also work with your sleep physician and other physicians closely so you get the best treatment possible.
We offer state of the art technology and digital scans so there is no need for messy impressions. You can rest assured knowing your treatment is custom fit to you. We will perform comprehensive exams of your TMJ and dentition to make sure oral appliance therapy works for you.
We also help treat disorders of the TMJ through Botox, red light therapy and splints designed for clenching/grinding of your teeth (these appliances are different from sleep apnea appliances).
Get Started With Sleep Apnea Treatment Today
Sleep apnea treatment is available through different treatment modalities and lifestyle changes. At Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness, we are committed to helping our patients find the right combination of treatments for them & we will work closely with you and your physician. Call today to schedule a consult so you can be on your journey to better sleep and better health.
