Is your breathing frequently interrupted during sleep? Do you feel you are unable to breathe properly? The chances are that you might be suffering from sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder. Individuals with this ailment stop breathing multiple times during sleep. It means the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen.

Jaw Advancing Device – An oral appliance, also called a Jaw Advancing Device (JAD), is a mouthpiece customised by the oral physician using a mould similar to plastic to fit the exact shape of the patient’s mouth and teeth.

There are two types of oral appliances:

• Mandibular Advancement Device – The most common type of dental sleep apnea device is the Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). They move the lower jaw (Mandible) forward, thus opening the airway. They increase the muscle activity of the tongue and other airways and hence aid in improving the strength and rigidity of the airway. The average common sleep apnea dental device cost, in this case, is between $1800 and $2000.
• Tongue Retaining Device – The Tongue Retaining Devices (TRD) work similar to MAD. However, in these devices, the tongue is held in a forward position instead of the lower jaw. Hence, the tongue is controlled directly. TRDs can initially be slightly uncomfortable and might take several weeks to months for the person to wear it without discomfort. TRD sleep apnea dental device cost starts from $1800 up to $2000.

Combination CPAP & Dental Sleep Device – The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a treatment where mild air pressure is used to open the breathing airways. The common problems associated with this are high pressure and the uncomfortable fit of the face mask. Your dentist and sleep physician work together to custom-make the dental sleep device that works along with CPAP. This sleep apnea dental device cost depends on the size as it is a simple dental sleep device. A much lower pressure setting can be used if a jaw advancement is combined with CPAP therapy from a MAD.

Oral appliances are efficient in treating sleep apnea, are popular as it is sufficient to wear them while sleeping, and are quite affordable.