What to Expect When Getting Your First Oral Appliance: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve been diagnosed with snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), your healthcare provider may recommend Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) as an effective and comfortable treatment option. Oral appliances are custom-made devices worn while sleeping to help keep your airway open, improving breathing and reducing symptoms like snoring and interrupted sleep.
But what does the process look like when you decide to get your first oral appliance? In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step what to expect, from your initial consultation to fitting and follow-up care.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation with a dentist or specialist trained in dental sleep medicine. During this appointment, the clinician will:
Review your medical history, including your sleep apnoea diagnosis, symptoms (such as snoring or daytime fatigue), and any previous treatments (e.g., CPAP therapy).
Conduct an oral health evaluation to check for any dental issues such as gum disease, jaw problems (TMJ disorders), or missing teeth that might affect your suitability for an oral appliance.
Take a full mouth dental x-ray (OPG) to ensure there are no underlying dental or skeletal issues that could affect your treatment success.
Discuss your lifestyle, sleep habits, and preferences to determine if oral appliance therapy is the right choice for you.
If you haven’t yet completed a sleep study, your provider may recommend this step before moving forward with treatment.
Step 2: Taking 3D Scans and Bite Registration
Once you’re deemed a good candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy, the next step is to create a custom-fitted device tailored to your mouth. This involves two important procedures:
3D digital scans: The Sleep Matters Clinic uses the latest digital scanning technology to create a precise 3D model of your mouth.
Bite registration: Your dentist will record how your teeth come together when you bite. This helps position your jaw properly when designing the appliance to ensure it will hold your lower jaw slightly forward, keeping your airway open during sleep.
These scans and measurements are then sent to a dental lab, where your custom oral appliance is crafted. This process usually takes 3 weeks.
Step 3: Fitting Your Custom Oral Appliance
Once your oral appliance is ready, you’ll return to the clinic for your fitting appointment. During this visit, your dentist will:
Ensure the appliance fits comfortably and snugly over your teeth.
Make any necessary adjustments to optimize jaw positioning, maximise effectiveness, and minimise discomfort.
Teach you how to insert, remove, and care for the appliance at home.
Explain what to expect during the first few nights of use, including a possible adjustment period as your mouth gets used to wearing the device.
The goal is to ensure that the appliance is comfortable enough to wear every night while effectively reducing snoring and apnoea episodes.
Step 4: Getting Used to Your Appliance
It’s normal to experience a brief adjustment period as you adapt to wearing the oral appliance. In the first few nights, you may notice:
Mild jaw stiffness or soreness in the morning
An increased flow of saliva while sleeping
Minor pressure on the teeth or gums
These symptoms typically resolve as your mouth adjusts to the device. Your dentist will recommend gentle jaw exercises to help alleviate any muscle stiffness.
Most patients find that after 1-2 weeks, the appliance becomes part of their nightly routine and they start noticing improvements in their sleep quality, reduced snoring, and more energy during the day.
Step 5: Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up care is critical to ensure the appliance continues to work effectively and remains comfortable. You can expect follow-up visits to include:
Evaluation of symptom improvement: Your dentist will check if you are experiencing better sleep, reduced snoring, and less daytime sleepiness.
Appliance adjustments: If necessary, your dentist may fine-tune the positioning of the appliance to improve its effectiveness or address any lingering discomfort.
Oral health monitoring: Regular check-ups will also include monitoring for potential side effects, such as tooth movement, gum irritation, or changes in your bite.
Some providers may also recommend a repeat sleep study while wearing the appliance to confirm its effectiveness in reducing apnoea events.
Step 6: Long-Term Care and Maintenance
To keep your oral appliance working effectively, it’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendations for care:
Daily cleaning: Clean the appliance each morning with an appliance specific brush and mild soap (it is important not to use toothpaste to clean your appliance).
Storage: Always store your appliance in a protective case when not in use to prevent accidental damage.
Weekly deep cleaning: Once a week, soak your appliance in a denture or retainer cleaning solution according to manufacturer instructions.
Annual check-ups: Visit your dentist annually to ensure the appliance remains in good condition and still fits well as your bite or oral health may change over time.
Benefits You Can Expect
Once properly fitted and adjusted, your oral appliance can lead to several noticeable benefits:
Improved sleep quality with fewer interruptions during the night
Reduction or elimination of snoring
Increased daytime energy and alertness
Lower risk of long-term health issues associated with untreated sleep apnoea, such as heart disease or high blood pressure
Better sleep for your partner, thanks to reduced snoring
Conclusion
Getting your first oral appliance is a straightforward and rewarding process that can significantly improve your sleep and overall well-being. From the initial consultation to the final fitting, your dental sleep professional will work closely with you to ensure that your appliance is comfortable, effective, and tailored to your needs.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward better sleep and better health, schedule a consultation with the Sleep Matters Clinic today and start your journey toward restful, rejuvenating nights!