Oral Appliance Therapy: Monmouth and Ocean County, NJ

After you are diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, your doctor will discuss several treatment options such as C-PAP or Oral Appliance Therapy. Oral Appliance Therapy is recommended to those who have mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Usually, C-PAP therapy is the first line of treatment for those who have severe apnea; however in cases where the patient cannot tolerate a C-PAP, an oral appliance would be recommended.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral Appliances are safe, non-invasive, effective therapy options for those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. An oral appliance is a small device that is custom fit to the mouth to be worn during sleep, similar to a night guard or retainer. These appliances help prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, keeping the airway open during sleep to promote adequate air flow. Patients with primarily snoring or mild/moderate OSA are the best candidates for Oral Appliance Therapy. Those with severe OSA are recommended C-PAP Therapy but are candidates for Oral Appliances if they cannot tolerate wearing a C-PAP.

Advantages of Oral Appliance

Oral Appliances are a much more tolerable solution to relieving sleep apnea symptoms.

  • Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear.
  • Oral appliances are small and convenient making them easy to carry when traveling.
  • Treatment with oral appliances is reversible and non-invasive.
  • Oral appliances do not make noise, interfering with partners sleep.

How Oral Appliances Work

Since apneas occur when the airway collapses, preventing air from reaching the lungs, oral appliances work to keep the airway open. They are designed to move the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate, and uvula slight forward creating an open airway while asleep. These appliances also work to increase the muscle tone of the tongue and move with muscles of the front part of the neck forward to open the airway. Some appliances even have nasal dilators which can help to open the nasal passage to allow better breathing through the nasal canal


Types of Appliances

The type and selection of the oral appliance right for you should be chosen by a dentist who is dedicated to Dental Sleep medicine and Oral Appliance therapy. There are many appliances to choose from. Considerations must include affect on the TMJ (temporal mandibular joint), Cranio-facial muscles, nerves and tissues, the teeth, the bite, the anatomy of the soft palate and other intra-oral tissues, the nose and nasal tissues, the size of the tongue and the space available in the mouth, gag reflexes, medical co-morbidities among other anatomic and physiologic factors. Two major types of appliances are 1 -appliances where the upper and lower component ts are connected causing the upper and lower jaws to be fixed and not being able to open; 2-the piece that fits on the upper jaw and the piece on the lower jaw sit independent and do not connect. The patient is able to open and close while wearing the appliance. This type of appliance is much kinder to the jaw joint and easier to wear on a long-term basis.


How Shore Dental SleepCare can help...

Dr. Young has been trained and certified in Dental Sleep Medicine in order to provide the best care possible in relieving your sleep apnea. If you are referred for Oral Appliance Therapy, we will schedule your consultation with Dr. Young in one of our locations. The initial evaluation phase of oral appliance therapy includes examination, evaluation to determine the most appropriate oral appliance, fitting, maximizing adaptation of the appliance, and the function. On-going care, including short- and longterm follow-up is an essential step in the treatment of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy. Follow-up care serves to assess the treatment progress of your sleep apnea, the condition of your appliance, your physical and medical response to your appliance, and to ensure that it is comfortable and effective.



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What People Say About us

Wonderful staff…

"Wonderful staff, from the start of my process! I was referred by my cardiologist to see the Dr. I have AFib, and sleep apnea , a bad combination. Dr You g made me an Oral appliance which stopped my snoring , and allows me to sleep much more soundly . Easy to wear Follow up study showed apnea was successfully treated ! Thx Dr Young and Staff"

John Bagle

"Dr Young and his entire staff are awesome! From the first time you walk through the door you are made to feel welcomed. Dr Young has a great personality and really connects with his patients. This office was highly recommended to me and now I know why. I will be referring anyone in need of orthodontia care to this office!"

Ginamarie Mazzaro