The L.A. Times recently had an article about treating sleep apnea with oral appliances instead of surgery or CPAP therapy. The article outlines the two options for oral appliances that are on the market – prescription devices that are obtained from a specially trained dentist or mass-market items purchased from the internet.

The prescription devices which are designed to move the lower jaw forward can relieve snoring and help keep the airway open during sleep. These devices are available only through a dentist who has received training in the field of dental sleep medicine. Each appliance is custom fit for each patient and made in a laboratory. According to Dr. Barbara Phillips, a board member of the National Sleep Foundation, these devices are often effective for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.

The other items reviewed in the article were purchased over the internet and were not found to be effective. Sleep apnea is a serious disease. Dr. Phillips felt that the over-the-counter devices purchased from the internet are potentially dangerous. “People with apnea need professional attention from a doctor or dentist, not a $40 mouthpiece purchased over the internet.

If you suffer from sleep apnea or if you snore loudly and feel fatigued most of the time we may be able to help. Please contact Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your consultation to see if you are a candidate for oral appliance therapy.