Improved Health, Better Sleep: Dental Appliances for Sleep Apnea in Young Adults

The causes of sleep apnea in young adults are diverse, ranging from enlarged tonsils and adenoids to medication side effects and hypothyroidism. Sometimes, having a large tongue or a smaller-than-normal jaw may contribute to sleep apnea. When abnormalities in the jaws, tongue, or misaligned teeth trigger sleep apnea symptoms, Dr. Warren Boardman at Ridgewood Dentistry offers oral appliance therapy to patients in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Types of Dental Appliances and Treatments for Sleep Apnea in Young Adults

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are a more comfortable and convenient alternative to CPAP machines for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms. By holding the tongue or lower jaw forward during sleep, oral appliances prevent airway obstruction and constant awakening at night. Depending on the examination results, Dr. Boardman may recommend the Mandibular (lower jaw) Advancement Device or the Tongue-Retaining Device to treat sleep apnea in young adults.

By learning about your medical history and current medications, Dr. Boardman determines what oral appliance will address your symptoms. He’ll also evaluate the dimensions of your jaw and check your tonsils and adenoids for signs of enlargement. You may be referred to a sleep study specialist before being custom-fitted for an oral appliance to optimize treatment results. 

Combination Oral Appliance

Combination oral appliances are equipped with components that reduce sleep apnea symptoms caused by the tongue and jaw obstructing the airway. Some may include a sliding mechanism that allows the dentist to adjust how far the lower jaw needs to move forward during sleep.

Suction, clips, or tongue rest incorporated in oral appliances prevent the tongue from falling over the airway. Suction involves using a flexible material to create a seal around the tongue that holds it in a forward position. Clips or clamps restrain the tongue from retracting, while some appliances feature a raised area for the tongue to rest on.

Bite Plates

Bite plates for sleep apnea adjust how the upper and lower teeth fit together (occlusion) to improve the alignment of the tongue and jaw. Custom-made bite plates may help reduce snoring and keep the airway open during sleep. Bite plates are not intended to treat severe sleep apnea and may not be suitable for patients with dental or jaw abnormalities. 

When applicable, Dr. Boardman may suggest other treatments for severe sleep apnea in young adults, such as tonsil and adenoid removal, tongue reduction surgery, or maxillomandibular advancement surgery when other sleep apnea causes have been ruled out.

Call Ridgewood Dentistry Today to Learn More About Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea in Ridgewood, NJ

Schedule an examination with Dr. Boardman to start enjoying better sleep, increased energy, and an enhanced quality of life. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, wearing a customized oral appliance can help you sleep through the night and prevent daytime exhaustion. If you are a new patient at Ridgewood Dentistry, please call (201) 448-8605.

Existing patients can call (201) 445-4808 to make an appointment with Dr. Boardman.

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