Managing Common Side Effects of Oral Appliance Therapy

Jan 31, 2020

An Oral Appliances Therapy (OAT) is used commonly for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as severe OSA when CPAP cannot be tolerated. It is a well-tolerated and minimally invasive therapy and a great option to treat sleep disordered breathing. The treatment essentially consists of gently holding the jaw forward while you sleep. It is a non pharmacological and nonsurgical option that is easy to use and transport.

But as with any treatment or intervention, there are some potential mild side effects to be aware of. Here are the most common side effects that we see after making hundreds of appliances, as well as some easy solutions.

General feeling of discomfort in teeth and mouth

Solution – Patience, practice, routine of use

Wearing something on your teeth or in your mouth can be a big change and can take some getting used to. Much like getting used to new contact lenses or new shoes, there is a “break in period” or a learning curve. Wearing a new appliance may cause a sensation in your teeth similar to wearing Invisalign trays, and this sensation usually goes away after 1-2 weeks of normal use. The wonderful thing is we are adaptable and we can get used to new things. Wearing the device for short periods during the daytime can help to accommodate new appliances. Usually, it takes a couple of weeks for the device to feel “normal,” but some people find they can sleep with it from the very first day.

Pain in Jaw and discomfort

Solution – Device design, gradual adjustment, and morning repositioning exercises

If you work with us to manage your OSA, you’ll find we put a lot of energy into minimizing these side effects with our device design selection and adjustment protocol. Also, consistently doing the recommended morning routine, including morning exercises, will help to reposition the jaw and reduce the change of ongoing discomfort. If you do experience discomfort, it typically is mild and will go away within 1-2 weeks. To ease the discomfort of the jaw, incremental changes to the appliance can be made to help the jaw adapt gradually. Some heat, massage, or over the counter pain relief medication can also be used for comfort.

Excessive salivation and dry mouth

Solution – Hydration

Experiencing excessive salivation with a new oral appliance is normal and improves over time. If experiencing dry mouth, staying hydrated and using a humidifier in the bedroom can also help. Gum or xylitol lozenges can be used to increase salivation. To reduce any discomfort brought on by excessive saliva or dry mouth, practice adequate oral hygiene.

Changes in bite

Solution – Morning repositioning exercises and regular check-ups

When someone consistently wears an oral appliance for sleep apnea, there is potential for bite changes to occur. However, these bite changes are usually minimal and may not be noticeable to you or your dentist. Did you know that CPAP can cause jaw and bite changes too? The same morning exercises and routine that are recommended to decrease daily discomfort also can reduce the chance of bite changes. Regularly checking up with your sleep dentist and general dentist can help identify if there are changes in bite or alignment of teeth. If bite changes are occurring, the sooner they are addressed, the more likely they will be to go back to normal. Keeping in touch with your sleep dentist is essential so adjustments can be to the appliance to reduce the chance of bite change. With every one of our patients, we go through detailed instructions with each patient to minimize the chance of bite changes.

Changes in tongue posture

Solution – Adaptation, myofunctional therapy

Wearing an oral appliance can modify the usual posture of the tongue. But, did you know that the habitual posture of your tongue may not be the best posture? When not in use for speaking and swallowing, the tongue should always rest on the palate with the lips closed. This is a natural positon to promote nasal breathing, which is better for your health and helps the oral appliance to work better. If you find that your tongue is not placed here naturally, you may benefit from an assessment with a myofunctional therapist. Myofunctional therapy helps to train the tongue and oral muscles for optimization, and research has shown this can reduce severity of OSA and snoring in some cases! Please reach out to us if you are interested in a referral to one of our amazing myofunctional therapy colleagues.

Appliance Breakage

Solution – Regular check up and maintenance

Although the materials used to make oral appliances are robust and safe to use, there is a chance that they may break from time to time. While the device is covered under the lab warranty, we can fix any damage to it. A regular maintenance, cleaning, and storing routine will also decrease the chance of damage to the device.

Most potential issues with the oral appliance can be resolved with patience, practice, routine of use, and staying connected with your dentist. At Great Sleep Dental, we have focused our practice on Oral Appliance Therapy. Together, our team has over 30 years of experience in this treatment! We look forward to working with you to give you the best chance of success in breathing and sleeping better. Please give us a call at (617)328-4050 or email us at info@greatsleepdental.com to schedule a consultation!

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Create your Ultimate Sleep Playlist for Deeper Sleep!

By Great Sleep Dental • 02 May, 2024

Many of us resort to different methods and devices in an attempt to fall asleep. Making a sleep playlist with relaxing music like pink noise, white noise, and other calming frequencies is one such efficient technique. Let's explore the science underlying these noises and see how you might use them to enhance your sleep experience. Understanding the Science of Sleep Sounds Before we explore the components of an ideal sleep playlist, let's take a moment to understand the science behind these sleep-inducing sounds. White Noise: White noise consists of a blend of all audible frequencies, creating a consistent sound similar to static or the hum of a fan. This steady sound can help mask background noises that might otherwise disrupt your sleep, promoting a more peaceful environment. Pink Noise: Pink noise is similar to white noise but with a slightly different frequency distribution, emphasizing lower frequencies. Studies suggest that pink noise may have a more natural, soothing effect on the brain, potentially improving sleep quality and memory consolidation. Brown Noise: Brown noise, also known as red noise, features even lower frequencies than pink noise, with a deeper and more soothing rumble. Its gentle oscillations mimic the natural sounds of wind or rustling leaves, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility conducive to sleep. Nature Sounds: The gentle rustle of leaves, the rhythmic pattern of rain, or the serene sounds of ocean waves can evoke feelings of relaxation and tranquility. Incorporating nature sounds into your sleep playlist can create a calming ambiance reminiscent of the great outdoors. Binaural Beats: Binaural beats involve playing two slightly different frequencies in each ear, causing the brain to perceive a third tone. This phenomenon is believed to influence brainwave activity, potentially inducing states of relaxation or deep sleep. Crafting Your Perfect Sleep Playlist Now that we've explored the science behind sleep sounds, it's time to curate your ultimate sleep playlist. Here's how to get started: Choose Your Sounds: Experiment with different types of sleep sounds, including white noise, pink noise, nature sounds, and binaural beats. Select the ones that resonate most with you and evoke feelings of relaxation. Consider Your Preferences: Some people prefer the steady hum of white noise, while others find solace in the gentle sounds of nature. Listen to various options and determine which sounds best suit your personal preferences and sleep environment. Adjust the Volume: It's essential to find the right balance when it comes to volume. Your sleep sounds should be audible enough to mask background noises but not so loud that they become disruptive. Aim for a volume level that is soothing and conducive to sleep. Create a Routine: Incorporate your sleep playlist into your nightly routine to signal to your body that it's time to unwind and prepare for sleep. Listen to your chosen sounds consistently, ideally starting about 30 minutes before bedtime. The Benefits of Sleep Sounds Adding sleep sounds to your nightly routine can offer a myriad of benefits, including: Improved Sleep Quality: Sleep sounds can help create a more conducive environment for sleep, leading to deeper and more restful slumber. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The soothing sounds of nature or white noise can help calm the mind and alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, making it easier to relax and fall asleep. Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function and mental clarity. By promoting better sleep, sleep sounds can contribute to improved focus and concentration during waking hours. Conclusion Incorporating white noise, pink noise, nature sounds, and binaural beats into your sleep routine can be a powerful tool for enhancing your sleep quality and overall well-being. Experiment with different sounds, adjust your playlist to suit your preferences, and enjoy the tranquil serenity of a restful night's sleep. Sweet dreams!

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OAT is used commonly for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as severe OSA when CPAP cannot be tolerated. It is a well-tolerated and minimally invasive therapy and a great option to treat sleep disordered breathing. The treatment essentially consists of gently holding the jaw forward while you sleep. It is a non pharmacological and nonsurgical option that is easy to use and transport.