Journal of Odontology
Open Access

Dental Sleep Medicine: Treating Sleep Disorders through Oral Appliance Therapy

Safavi Gwen^{* *}Correspondence: Safavi Gwen, Department of Odontology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, Email:

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Description

Sleep disorders have become increasingly prevalent in today's fastpaced society, impacting millions of individuals worldwide. Among these disorders, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) stands out as one of the most common and potentially serious conditions. Traditional treatments for sleep disorders often involve Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

However, many patients find CPAP uncomfortable and challenging to use consistently. In recent years, dental sleep medicine has emerged as a promising alternative, offering effective treatment through oral appliance therapy.

In recent years, the intersection between dentistry and sleep medicine has garnered significant attention.

Dental sleep medicine, a specialized branch within dentistry, focuses on diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), through Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). This innovative approach offers an alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, providing patients with effective treatment options tailored to their individual needs.

Understanding dental sleep medicine

Dental sleep medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike CPAP therapy, which involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers pressurized air, oral appliance therapy utilizes customfitted devices worn in the mouth during sleep. These appliances work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction, thereby promoting uninterrupted breathing and a more restful sleep.

The role of oral appliance therapy

Oral appliances used in dental sleep medicine are designed to address specific anatomical factors contributing to sleep disorders. By gently repositioning the lower jaw (mandible) and tongue, these devices help to keep the airway open and prevent collapse during sleep. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are compact, portable, and silent, making them more appealing to patients who struggle with CPAP adherence.

Benefits of oral appliance therapy

Improved compliance: Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable and easier to tolerate than CPAP therapy, leading to higher compliance rates and better long-term adherence to treatment.

Enhanced quality of sleep: By reducing or eliminating episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, oral appliance therapy can significantly improve sleep quality, resulting in increased daytime alertness and overall well-being.

Non-invasive and convenient: Oral appliances are custom-made to fit each patient's mouth comfortably, making them a noninvasive and convenient treatment option that does not require electricity or special maintenance.

Suitable for travel: Unlike bulky CPAP machines, oral appliances are compact and easily portable, allowing patients to maintain their treatment regimen while traveling or during overnight stays away from home.

Patient selection and evaluation: Before prescribing oral appliance therapy, dental sleep medicine practitioners conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the suitability of the treatment for each patient. This evaluation typically includes a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and possibly a sleep study (polysomnography) to confirm the diagnosis and severity of the sleep disorder. Additionally, dental impressions or digital scans may be taken to fabricate a custom-fitted oral appliance tailored to the patient's unique anatomy.

Treatment monitoring and follow-up: Once the oral appliance is fitted and delivered to the patient, regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor treatment progress and make any necessary adjustments. These follow-up appointments allow the dentist to assess the device's effectiveness, address any concerns or discomfort experienced by the patient, and ensure proper compliance with therapy. Periodic sleep studies may also be recommended to evaluate the treatment's efficacy and make adjustments as needed.

Dental sleep medicine, particularly oral appliance therapy, offers a valuable alternative for treating sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. By leveraging custom-fitted oral appliances, dentists can effectively manage sleep-related breathing disorders and improve patients' quality of life. As awareness of the benefits of oral appliance therapy continues to grow, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in the multidisciplinary approach to managing sleep disorders and promoting better overall health and well-being.