As a special member of the sleep apnea team of health professionals, a trained dentist will perform an intraoral exam to determine where the blockage is and what is causing the obstruction. To increase breathing potential, sometimes orthodontics can be performed to make additional room for the tongue and widen the arch. An appliance worn during sleep prevents the airway from collapsing by creating extra space. Only a specially trained dentist can properly select and fit thr type of appliance that is needed. In fact, TMJ appliances can often be adapted to work for sleep apnea.
Appliances are light and easy to wear.
In only a few weeks, most patients are comfortable. The biggest hurdle for using this method is compliance. Many patients feel claustraphobic with it and others find wearing a mask to be offensive. The strap of the mask worn around the head may even cause headaches. This is the most invasive method of treatment and is performed only in cases of severe obstructive sleep apnea when excessive tissue reduces airway space.