Sleep apnea is one of the most serious health conditions that can occur. Left untreated, it can shorten your life and impair your quality of living while you are alive. Thankfully, treatment is available that can restore your energy and health, making you feel like a new person!

Oral appliances are the most common non-invasive and non-surgical treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. They are custom-designed mouthpieces that fit comfortably and are easy to use, allowing for uninterrupted sleep. There are more than 80 sleep apnea oral appliance options on the market, with the majority falling into two categories: mandibular-repositioning devices (MRDs) and tongue-retaining devices. Both have been shown to improve snoring and obstructive airway obstruction, with MADs being more effective.

Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance: Is It Right for You

MADs look similar to an orthodontic retainer or a mouth guard, and they are generally made from acrylic. They may be one-piece or two-piece and vary in size, material, the number of teeth they cover, and how adjustable they are. Two-piece appliances tend to be more comfortable and are generally more successful in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea than one-piece models.

A tongue-stabilizing device, or TSD, looks similar to a retainer, but it is used to hold the tongue in a protruded position to prevent it from collapsing into the airway and causing apnea episodes. This device is highly effective and is often prescribed as a follow-up to other treatments, including tonsil and adenoid removal surgery.