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Common Sleep Apnea Treatments for Lasting Comfort and Improved Sleep

People with sleep apnea may experience shallow breathing or a pause in their breathing while sleeping, causing them to gasp for air in the middle of the night, disrupting their sleep. Fortunately, there are treatment options for this condition. At Mid-Valley Dental Care, Northridge, California, we can guide you to the best sleep apnea treatment for you.   

How do night appliances help treat sleep apnea?

Night appliances—also referred to as oral appliances or mandibular advancement devices—help treat sleep apnea by shifting the lower jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway while you sleep. These devices are custom-fitted by Dr. Lau to ensure comfort and effectiveness. They work by gently advancing the jaw, which helps reduce or eliminate airway obstruction, allowing for better airflow and preventing the pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea.

Can night appliances be used for all types of sleep apnea?

Night appliances are most effective for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They may also be useful for individuals with positional sleep apnea, where airway obstruction occurs primarily when sleeping on their back. For severe cases of sleep apnea, Dr. Lau may recommend a CPAP machine or surgery as a more appropriate treatment. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Lau will determine whether a night appliance is the best solution for your needs.

Are night appliances comfortable to wear?

Night appliances are designed to be comfortable and fit snugly in your mouth, but it may take some time to adjust to wearing one, especially if you’ve never used one before. Dr. Lau customizes each appliance to fit the unique contours of your mouth and teeth, ensuring that it does not cause discomfort or interfere with sleep. If you experience any discomfort, Dr. Lau will adjust the appliance to enhance comfort and effectiveness.

How long will it take to notice improvement with a night appliance?

Many patients report improved sleep quality and reduced symptoms like snoring and daytime fatigue within the first few nights of using a night appliance. However, it may take a few weeks for your body to adjust fully and the appliance to take full effect in treating sleep apnea. Dr. Lau will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results.

Do night appliances have any side effects?

While night appliances are generally safe and well-tolerated, some patients may experience mild side effects, especially during the initial adjustment period. These can include slight discomfort, dry mouth, or jaw soreness. In rare cases, patients may experience tooth or gum sensitivity. If you experience any side effects, it’s important to contact Dr. Lau, who can modify the appliance or provide solutions to make the treatment more comfortable.

How do I care for my night appliance?

Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your night appliance. After each use, you should clean the device thoroughly with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Dr. Lau will provide instructions on maintaining the appliance, including periodic check-ups to ensure it still fits well and remains in good condition. Regular cleaning and storage in a protective case will prevent damage and maintain hygiene.

How do I know if a night appliance works for my sleep apnea?

Improved sleep quality can measure the effectiveness of a night appliance, the reduction of symptoms like snoring, and the overall decrease in daytime fatigue. Dr. Lau may also recommend a follow-up sleep study or monitoring device to assess your progress. Adjustments can be made to the appliance to optimize its performance if needed. Regular check-ups with Dr. Lau will help track your progress and ensure the treatment achieves the desired results.

To learn more about sleep apnea treatments and how they can benefit you, contact your Northridge, CA dentists from Mid-Valley Dental Care at (818) 886-3500.

Terence Lau, DDS, FICOI, FAACP

With more than three decades of education and experience, Dr Terence Lau is a leader in his field. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cell-Molecular Biology from CSUN, he earned his DDS from USC School of Dentistry and received specialized Periodontal Prosthodontics training under experts and pioneers in the field at the University of Washington. He focuses especially on minimally invasive Bio-Aesthetic Implant Surgery, advanced laser dentistry, and more. Dr. Lau is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ACOI, ASO, AAID, AADSM, DOCS, AAFO, and AACFP, and is a nationally recognized lecturer and founder of Bio-Aesthetic Implant and Laser Solutions.

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Casey Lau, DDS

Dr. Casey Lau has over 10 years of experience in comprehensive dental care, with an emphasis on minimally invasive bioesthetic dentistry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and his DDS from UCLA. Dr. Lau specializes in occlusion, orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, and laser dentistry, with expertise in implantology, clear aligner therapy, oral sedation, and much more. He is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ADA, CDA, DOCS, IAO, and AACA. Along with his wife, Dr. Lau co-founded Elims Oral Care, offering eco-conscious oral care products.

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Kayla Lau, DDS, RDH

Dr. Kayla Lau started out as a dental hygienist before she earned her DDS from the renowned USC School of Dentistry. Specializing in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, she is highly skilled in using neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers to improve orofacial pain relief and facial aesthetics. Dr. Lau is passionate about Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, having trained with pioneers in the field. She is an active member of the AGD, ADA, CDA, SFVDS, ABD, and IAAFA, committed to enhancing smiles and overall oral health.

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