chapter
03
Sleep Apnea Treatments – CPAP, Oral Appliances, and More
So, you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea—now what?
The good news? There are several treatment options available to help you breathe better, sleep deeper, and improve your overall health.
In this chapter, we’ll explore the most common sleep apnea treatments, including:
✅ CPAP Machines – How they work and why many patients stop using them
✅ Oral Appliances – What they do and their potential side effects
✅ Airway Expansion Therapies – Treatments designed to permanently improve airflow
✅ Mouth Taping & Nasal Breathing – Do they really help?
What is a CPAP Machine?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure—a device that increases air pressure in the throat to prevent airway collapse while breathing.
🔹 How It Works:
A CPAP machine consists of:
✅ A tube that connects the machine to a face mask
✅ A chin strap to hold it in place
✅ A continuous flow of pressurized air to keep the airway open
While CPAP is the most well-known sleep apnea treatment, it has a high failure rate—with studies showing that after two years, up to 85% of users stop using it regularly.
Why Do So Many People Stop Using CPAP?
❌ Discomfort – The mask can feel restrictive and irritating
❌ Dry Mouth & Sinus Issues – Forced air can cause dryness and nasal congestion
❌ Leaks & Air Blowing in the Eyes – The mask can slip during sleep
❌ Difficult to Clean – Requires regular maintenance to avoid bacterial buildup
❌ Hard to Travel With – Many find it cumbersome for travel
💡 Bottom Line?
CPAP works for some, but many patients seek alternative treatments that are more comfortable and sustainable.
What is an Oral Sleep Appliance?
If CPAP isn’t for you, an oral sleep appliance could be an alternative.
🔹 How It Works:
Oral appliances reposition the jaw during sleep, preventing airway collapse by keeping the lower jaw slightly forward.
🔹 Benefits of Oral Appliances:
✅ More comfortable than CPAP
✅ Portable & easy to travel with
✅ No loud machine noises
✅ Simple to clean and maintain
🚨 But there’s a downside…
Recent research (BioMed Research, 2024) found that using oral appliances for 1-3 years can lead to significant dental changes, including:
❌ Misalignment of the teeth
❌ Shifting bite & jaw strain
❌ Jaw joint instability & discomfort
💡 Who Should Avoid Oral Appliances?
🔸 Patients with a history of jaw pain or TMJ issues
🔸 Anyone looking for a long-term airway solution (they don’t fix the root cause)
🚀 Short-Term Use? Oral appliances can be helpful while working on permanent airway treatments, but they shouldn’t be relied on forever.
Airway Expansion Treatments: Addressing the Root Cause
Instead of just managing symptoms, airway-focused treatments aim to expand and reshape the airway, providing a more permanent solution.
DNA Device for Children
If your child snores, it’s not just a minor issue—it’s a sign of airway obstruction.
Signs of Airway Problems in Kids:
🔹 Snoring & mouth breathing
🔹 Bedwetting past the typical age
🔹 Hyperactivity or ADHD-like symptoms
🔹 Teeth grinding
🔹 Frequent ear infections or allergies
🔹 Dark circles under the eyes
The good news? Airway problems can be corrected early.
🔹 The DNA appliance and MyoBrace are removable orthodontic appliances that guide healthy jaw growth and widen the airway—reducing the need for braces later.
🔹 Palatal expanders & orthodontic treatment can also reshape the airway for better long-term breathing.
By addressing these issues early, we can help prevent sleep apnea in adulthood!
DNA Device for Adults: Expanding the Airway Without Surgery
Unlike children, adults have finished growing—but that doesn’t mean their airway can’t be improved.
The DNA (Daytime-Nighttime Appliance) is a specialized non-surgical treatment that gradually expands the upper jaw and airway.
How Does the DNA Appliance Work?
🔹 It stimulates natural bone growth in the upper jaw.
🔹 Over time, it creates more space in the airway—making breathing easier.
🔹 It corrects underlying structural issues without surgery.
🔵 Who Can Benefit from the DNA Appliance?
✅ Adults with a narrow palate or small airway
✅ Patients who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy
✅ Those looking for long-term airway expansion
📌 Additional airway treatments include:
✔️ NightLase Laser Therapy – Shrinks excess soft tissue in the throat to improve airflow.
✔️ Myofunctional Therapy – Strengthens the tongue & mouth muscles for better breathing.
✔️ Orthodontic Expansion (Braces or Vivos Appliance) – Creates more space for the tongue, reducing airway obstruction.
What About Mouth Taping?
🔹 If your only issue is mouth breathing, taping can help.
🔹 But if your airway is restricted, mouth taping won’t fix the underlying problem.
👎 Mouth taping DOESN’T help if:
❌ Your nose is congested or blocked
❌ You have inflamed tonsils or soft tissues blocking airflow
❌ Your jaw and airway are too small
💡 Best Practice?
Mouth taping can be used alongside airway treatments like myofunctional therapy, nasal clearing, and airway expansion.
The Best Sleep Apnea Treatment? Find What Works for YOU
🚨 Every patient is different! The right treatment depends on the root cause of your sleep-disordered breathing.
👨⚕️ At Total Care Dental & Wellness, we don’t just treat symptoms—we find solutions.
But before you can start treatment, you need an accurate diagnosis. Many people have sleep apnea without realizing it, and a sleep study is the first step toward understanding your condition.
🔹 In Chapter 4, we’ll explore how to get tested for sleep apnea, including the differences between at-home sleep tests and in-lab sleep studies—so you can find out which option is best for you.
🛌 Ready to take the next step? Continue to Chapter 4: How to Get a Sleep Apnea Test.
Take Control of Your Sleep & Health Today
Struggling with sleep apnea, snoring, or constant fatigue? Ignoring sleep issues won’t make them go away—but real solutions can. At Total Care Dental & Wellness, we don’t just manage symptoms—we identify and treat the root cause of your sleep-disordered breathing.
Your Personalized Sleep & Airway Evaluation Includes:
✅ 3D Cone Beam X-Ray (CBCT) – Pinpoint airway obstructions & jaw alignment issues
✅ Comprehensive Sleep & Airway Analysis – Identify breathing patterns affecting your sleep quality
✅ Oral & Jaw Joint Exam – Detect hidden causes of airway blockage
✅ Digital Intraoral Scan & Photos – Create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs
🔹 Stop masking the symptoms—get real answers and lasting relief. You’ll leave with a clear diagnosis, expert treatment recommendations, and a path to better sleep & better health.
Don’t wait—your health and energy depend on it. Take the first step toward deeper, healthier sleep today!
