What Is a Sleep Oral Device and How Does It Work?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), approximately 29.4 million Americans, or about 12% of the adult population, are affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  If you’ve experienced loud snoring, gasping, choking during sleep, or waking up feeling tired despite a full night’s rest, you could be one of them. 

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Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep, impacts your mood, focus, and overall health, as well as that of those around you. Once diagnosed, one of the most common treatment options your dentist may recommend is a sleep oral device. A simple, non-invasive alternative to CPAP therapy.

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But what exactly is a sleep oral device, and how does it work? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and potentially life-changing. 

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What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by regular pauses in breathing that last for more than 10 seconds while you sleep, according to the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. In most cases, these pauses are caused when tissue in the nose or throat blocks the airway, leading to disrupted sleep and lower oxygen levels throughout the night. 

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Shockingly, 30% to 50% of habitual snorers may have some form of sleep apnea. Apart from regular fatigue and irritability, untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of serious health issues such as stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attack. 

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So, What Exactly Is a Sleep Oral Device?

A sleep oral device, often referred to as an "oral appliance" or "mandibular advancement device," is a specially designed mouthguard that helps treat conditions such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. 
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In simple terms, it is a comfortable, custom-fit gadget that gently repositions your jaw and tongue while you sleep. It keeps your airway open and free from obstruction, which further helps you breathe more easily and reduces the likelihood of snoring or pauses in your breathing.

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Who Should Use a Sleep Oral Device?

If you’re dealing with any of the following, a sleep oral device might be worth a look:
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• You snore like a freight train, and it's disturbing your sleep—or your partner’s.
  

• You’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and want a less bulky alternative to a CPAP machine.
  
  
• You can’t tolerate CPAP therapy—maybe the mask feels claustrophobic, or the sound keeps you up.
  
  
• You travel often and want a portable, low-maintenance solution for better sleep.
  
  

Sleep oral devices are generally recommended for people with mild to moderate OSA, but even some patients with severe OSA use them in combination with other treatments. The best way to know if one’s right for you is to talk with your sleep doctor or a specially trained dentist.

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Benefits of a Sleep Oral Device

The benefits of using a sleep oral device are many, especially if you’re dealing with snoring or sleep apnea. Here are some key advantages:
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1. Better Sleep

Snoring is often more than just an annoyance. When you snore, it reveals breathing pattern disturbances that block your ability to reach restful, deep sleep. Sleep oral devices allow you to achieve both deep sleep and restful rest.
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2. Non-Invasive and Easy to Use

Unlike CPAP machines, which involve a mask, hose, and electrical parts, sleep oral devices are simpler. It’s easy to wear and doesn’t come with the noise and bulkiness of other sleep apnea treatments.
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3. Custom-Fit Comfort

These devices are custom-made by a dentist to fit your mouth. It’s easy to wear and doesn’t come with the noise and bulkiness of other sleep apnea treatments. It’s also a great option if you travel frequently.
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4. Improved Overall Health

Your overall health depends on getting enough high-quality sleep at night. Several health problems emerge as a result of long-term sleep disturbances, including elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.

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5. A CPAP Alternative

If CPAP therapy isn’t your jam—or if you need something for travel—oral appliances are a solid alternative. Some people even use both: a CPAP at home, and the oral device when they’re on the go.

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How Does a Sleep Oral Device Work?

When you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax. For some people, those relaxed muscles and soft tissues collapse inward, blocking the airway. This causes snoring (from air squeezing through a smaller space) or even pauses in breathing, which is what defines sleep apnea.

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A sleep oral device acts like a gentle jaw positioner. It holds your lower jaw slightly forward, which also pulls the tongue away from the back of the throat. This repositioning helps keep your airway open, allowing you to breathe freely and consistently throughout the night.

There are two primary types of sleep oral devices:
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1. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These are the most common type. They work by advancing your lower jaw, which helps prevent the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway.
   
   
2. Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs): The tongue retaining device functions to stop tongue collapse during sleep time. The forward positioning of your tongue through TRDs stops it from blocking your airway.

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What’s the Process to Get One?

If you're interested in trying a sleep oral device, the process is pretty straightforward:
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1. See a Sleep Specialist or Dentist: First, you’ll need a diagnosis, especially if you suspect sleep apnea. This usually involves a sleep study (either at home or in a lab).
   
   
2. Get Fitted by Your Device: A qualified dentist will take impressions or scan your teeth to create a custom-fit device tailored to your mouth.
   
   
3. Adjustment and Follow-Up: Once you get your device, your dentist may adjust it to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Follow-ups help monitor your progress.

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How To Get Started

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to get checked by a trusted dentist. Selecting a dental office that recognizes the relationship between oral health and sleep is crucial. 

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At United Smiles Dentistry, we’re dedicated to helping patients achieve better sleep and improved health through personalized care and proven treatment options. Our team takes the time to understand your unique needs and will work closely with you to design a custom sleep oral device tailored specifically to your mouth and jaw structure.

How long does it take to get used to wearing a sleep oral device?

Generally, it takes around 2-3 weeks for people to adjust to wearing a sleep oral device.  The initial discomfort, gagging, or other issues usually subside with consistent use. 

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What happens if I skip wearing the device for a night?

Skipping one night of wearing the device won’t cause any major noticeable issues, but it is not recommended, because it can potentially disrupt the continuous correction that the device provides

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How do I travel with a sleep oral device?

It is easy to travel with a sleep oral device. Make sure to pack it in its original protective case and bring along any cleaning accessories required to keep it clean and safe. 

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Can children or teenagers use sleep oral devices?

Sleep oral devices are typically designed for adults, but in some cases, they may be recommended for teenagers or children with specific conditions, like mild to moderate sleep apnea or severe snoring.