The oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea has been around for > 20 years but has gained popularity recently due to advertising and enhanced insurance payments. The device is worn at night and works by pulling the lower jaw out to open the airway and hopefully eliminate snoring and the associated apnea and hypopnea (complete and partial blockage of airflow). The devices can be ordered from the internet and have a "boil and bite" fit similar to a mouth guard athletes use. The most effective devices are manufactured from impressions made by a dentist and fitted and adjusted by the dental professional. The success rate of the device fitted by the dental professional is about 65-70% for persons with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Complications from the device include jaw pain and TMJ discomfort, minor shifts in occlusion and drooling. The oral appliance requires most of your natural teeth to be present for proper fitting.
The oral appliance is a reasonable alternative for patients with sleep apnea who cannot tolerate the CPAP or need to be in areas where electricity is scarce.
