TMJ Case Study: July 2022
DJ is a 35-year-old female patient suffering from chronic bilateral TMJ pain, clicking, headaches, ear pain and limited opening, which, when she opens, deviates to her right. Here's how we helped her.
Sleep Apnea can be a life-threatening condition and oral appliances can be used to help make sleep not so scary. In case you don’t know, sleep apnea can cause individuals to stop breathing and resume again in the middle of sleep. It shares similarities with snoring in terms of discomfort, blocked air passages and similar treatments.
Treatments for both conditions are usually the same. Some sleep dentists recommend using oral appliances to sleep in, like the following:
These aids can be useful and here’s why:
These devices are small enough to be used on their own. They fit into or around your mouth and keep your air passages open enough for a good night’s sleep.
They’re also light weight and portable – so you don’t have to worry about carrying around big bulky devices, not being able to sleep comfortably or blocked airways while traveling away from home.
Oral sleep appliances can be customized. Sleep dentists can model the device to fit with your jaw, teeth, tongue and airway. This reduces the chances of discomfort and allows for a customized fit and personalized treatment.
Most oral appliances are specifically designed to diminish snoring. The tongue retainers subdue snoring that stems from the base of the tongue, the chin strips keeps the mouth closed and forces the nose to breathe for you, and the rest create space to reduce disturbance and sound. Epigenetic devices are reported to retrain the jaw with use of the appliance. Speak with your sleep specialist regarding options for your specific condition.
Oral appliances don’t cause any physical changes or pain because they are non-invasive. Meaning they’re ready to use, easy to wear, and don’t require a lot of effort to get used to.
Oral devices don’t require too much effort. The CPAP Machine needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work, but oral appliances like these are small and convenient and can even be worn during the day.
Sleep is the way your body rejuvenates itself. Since you’ll be getting peaceful and uninterrupted sleep, your performance will increase. You will have higher energy levels, better concentration, focus and problem solving skills. In short, your daily functioning will improve because of restful sleep.
Not everyone can tolerate a CPAP. Some people feel claustrophobic or restricted because of the mask and tubes. For those individuals an oral devices may be a better solution. You will have more mobility and comfort during sleeping, and no abrasions on the nose or mouth due to constant mask wear.
