For optimal health, you need a good night’s sleep. But if you snore, wake up feeling unrefreshed, or have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you may not be getting the quality of sleep that you need, and your bed partner may also be suffering from listening to your breathing struggles. If this sounds like you, you may benefit from an oral appliance such as a mandibular advancement device. A mandibular advancement device fits inside your mouth like a retainer and gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open, helping you breathe easier and sleep more soundly.
At Westchester ENT, board-certified otolaryngologist Aaron Spingarn, MD, offers custom-fitted mandibular advancement devices as treatments for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliances such as mandibular advancement devices are a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to throat surgery and CPAP machines. Even better, if you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, many medical insurances (such as Cigna, Oxford and United Healthcare) will pay for treatment with oral appliance therapy. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call our Hartsdale, NY, office at 914.686.3950, or book your appointment online today.
Oral appliance therapy is a proven, non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring. This therapy involves wearing a small, custom-made device in your mouth while you sleep, similar in appearance to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer.
A mandibular advancement device gently shifts your lower jaw and tongue forward, helping keep your airway open throughout the night. By preventing the soft tissues of the throat from collapsing, the device promotes steady airflow to your lungs, which helps oxygen reach your brain so you can get a good night’s sleep.
With oral appliance therapy, you may experience fewer episodes of blocked breathing, improved oxygen levels, and more restorative sleep. Many patients find oral appliances easier to use and more comfortable than traditional CPAP machines, making them a practical option for long-term sleep apnea management.
Oral appliances are often recommended for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, primary snoring, or those who cannot tolerate (or decline to try) CPAP therapy. They can also be a great choice for frequent travelers because they are small, portable, and easy to maintain.
Benefits include:
At Westchester ENT, Dr. Spingarn reviews your sleep study results and overall health history to determine if an oral appliance is right for you. If you have not yet had a sleep test to confirm a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, we can give you a home sleep test or arrange for a sleep test to be done. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, if you are deemed a good candidate for oral appliance therapy, impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a device that fits comfortably and effectively for your unique anatomy.
After receiving your custom-made oral appliance, you’ll have follow-up appointments to adjust the fit and ensure that your appliance is improving your symptoms. With consistent use, oral appliance therapy can offer long-term relief from sleep apnea and help you regain deeper, uninterrupted sleep to help optimize your health and feel better.
If sleep apnea is interfering with your rest and quality of life, call Westchester ENT in Hartsdale, NY, today to schedule a consultation and learn more about oral appliance therapy. You can also request an appointment online.