Dental Appliances & Oral Appliance Therapy in Delhi

Dental Appliances

Dental appliances, is also known as oral appliances or mandibular advancement devices (MADs), which are custom-made mouthpieces designed to treat mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and primary snoring.

They work by:

Holding the lower jaw forward (mandibular advancement).
Opening up the airway behind the tongue and soft palate
Preventing airway collapse during sleep.
These appliances are worn during sleep, similar to a mouthguard.

Causes

Dental appliances are recommended in patients who:

Have mild to moderate OSA.
Are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy.
Experience loud snoring without significant apnoea.
Travel frequently and need a portable alternative to CPAP.
Have airway collapse mainly at the tongue level.
They are not typically suitable for people with severe OSA, obesity, or significant jaw deformities.

Symptoms

Loud snoring and sleep disturbances.
Daytime fatigue or morning headaches.
Non-compliance with CPAP due to discomfort.
Sleep apnoea diagnosed but PAP therapy refused.
Bed partner complaints due to snoring or choking sounds.

Diagnosis

Before prescribing a dental appliance, the following steps are done:

Level 1 Sleep Study (Polysomnography) to assess severity of OSA.

Dental Evaluation to check:
Jaw size and alignment.
Number and health of teeth.
Presence of TMJ (jaw joint) problems.
Imaging if needed – Cephalometry or lateral X-rays.
Sleep Endoscopy (optional) – to evaluate site of collapse.

Treatment

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

It is the most common type.
Moves the lower jaw forward.
Increases the space behind the tongue.
Reduces snoring and mild OSA episodes.

Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs)

In this it holds the tongue in a forward position.
Used when jaw movement is not feasible.
Less commonly used than MADs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can dental appliances cure sleep apnoea?

They are not a cure but can effectively control symptoms in mild to moderate OSA or in snoring. They reduce the number of apnoeic events and improves the quality of sleep.

2. Are these devices better than CPAP?

CPAP is still the gold standard, especially for moderate to severe OSA. Dental appliances are a good alternative for mild cases, or the people who can’t tolerate CPAP, or the travelers needing portability.

3. Is it available over the counter?

No. Over-the-counter (OTC) devices are not recommended. Dental appliances should be custom-made and fitted by a trained dentist or sleep specialist to be safe and effective.

4. How long do they last?

With proper care, a well-made oral appliance can last up to 3 to 5 years. Regular dental follow-up is important to monitor wear and tear, fit, and any jaw or bite issues.