When Will You Notice Results from Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is an increasingly popular way to address obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is comfortable, silent, and effective. Still, you may wonder about its treatment timeline. When will you notice results from your oral appliance therapy, and how long will those results last? This blog post explains what you can expect from treatment.

When Will You Notice Results?

Some patients notice an immediate improvement in their OSA symptoms after they start oral appliance therapy. After just a single night with their appliance, they experience reduced tiredness, greater alertness, and a happier mood. As they continue to use their appliance each night, they “catch up” on sleep and get to experience a number of health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart attack.

Other patients have to wait a little longer to experience benefits. They might accidentally eject their appliance from their mouth because they are not used to it, or their appliance may need some adjustments before it can be optimally effective. The gradual adjustment process might take a few months. In the meantime, you may be able to find mild relief by sleeping on your side, adjusting your eating and drinking habits (for example, you should not drink alcohol too close to bedtime), and taking other practical measures.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Your oral appliance could provide you with years of improved sleep quality — as long as you consistently use it each night and make sure to keep it clean. You may need to bring it to your dentist for periodic adjustments so it can continue to serve you well.

It is also worth noting that you might not need to use your appliance forever. Some patients use it while they are on a weight loss journey; after they lose excess pounds, they might not need OSA treatment anymore. Others pursue orthodontic treatment, surgery, or other procedures to correct anatomical issues that are contributing to their breathing problems.

Each case is unique, so it would be beneficial to have a chat with your dentist about your long-term prospects for treatment.

Oral appliance therapy can provide fast and long-lasting relief from OSA! Talk to a dental sleep expert to find out if it is right for you.

Meet the Practice

For well over 10 years, Dr. Kenneth Mogell has been serving as a dental sleep expert. His extensive knowledge and experience equip him to help patients from all walks of life, including those with severe OSA. To find out how he and our team may be able to serve you, contact any of our locations or call our Vero Beach office at 772-882-6800.