Getting a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard: What You Need to Know

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Sleep apnea not only robs you of a good night’s sleep, but it can also cause or worsen some dangerous health conditions. Here at Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness, your Hoover, AL dentist has been specially trained in dental sleep medicine, including the creation of custom oral appliances you can wear at night to prevent your airway from closing up as you sleep. Here’s what you need to know about the process of getting your own sleep apnea mouth guard.

1. What is a Sleep Apnea Mouthguard?

This sleep apnea treatment appliance is actually called a “Mandibular Advancement Device” (MAD), and it’s the primary appliance our dentist in Hoover designs to help patients get a better night’s sleep. It is a custom-made mouthguard that pulls your jaw forward and stabilizes your tongue to prevent it from crowding your airway when you sleep. It can be used as a first-line defense against snoring and is effective for patients who cannot use a CPAP machine. It also prevents overnight teeth grinding, or “bruxism”, which can relieve symptoms of TMJ.

2. How Do I Get a Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece?

This is the process we use here at Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness: 

  • Screening and diagnosis: Dr. Ardovino does a thorough dental and jaw exam, reviews your medical history, and works with your doctor to determine your sleep apnea situation. We recommend a sleep study to determine the type and severity of your symptoms. A diagnosis of sleep apnea suggests that oral appliance therapy (OAT) may help you. 
  • Impressions and measurements: We will take impressions and precise measurements of your top and bottom teeth. We send all of these to a lab that will create your custom oral appliance.
  • Fitting and adjustments: Once the MAD returns from the lab, we will show you how to use the appliance and ensure it fits comfortably. We can make any necessary adjustments and then show you how to care for the appliance so it lasts for a long time. 

We will also schedule a follow-up appointment to see how things are going and make any other necessary adjustments. Most patients find that their sleep quality improves significantly after using their sleep apnea mouth guards. 

Schedule an Appointment with the Dentist Hoover neighbours Rely on for Comfortable Sleep Apnea Treatment

Stop waking up tired every morning! Schedule an appointment with us here at Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness for a consultation.