Oral Appliance Therapy

At Brian C. McDowell, DDS, we offer comfortable oral appliance therapy (OAT) to patients seeking CPAP alternatives for treating their obstructive sleep apnea.

Oral Appliances, also called Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD), can treat sleep apnea as a 1st line therapy for people with mild or moderate sleep apnea or for those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. The apparent advantage of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is that it reduces the need for a bulky CPAP device with its associated masks, hoses, and forced air that can make people uncomfortable.

Sleep apnea specialists like Dr. Brian McDowell will work with you closely to determine if this therapy option is right for you and help you find the correct device for your needs.

How Do Oral Appliances Work?

Oral sleep appliances are effective because they naturally open your airway to allow optimized oxygen flow. Rather than force air through manually, like with a CPAP machine, mandibular advancement devices guide your lower jaw (mandible) forward. This movement prevents the collapse of soft tissues at the back of your throat, which is a primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

With a dental sleep appliance, Dr. McDowell will fit you with a customized mouthpiece that rests over your front teeth. From there, your Fitchburg dentist will make careful measurements and adjustments to position your lower jaw to bring the tongue forward and away from the back of your throat.

An oral sleep appliance is effective as your first line of defense for mild to moderate OSA or individuals who cannot use a CPAP.

Benefits of Oral Appliances Over Other Forms Of Treatment

Compared to traditional CPAP machines, the oral appliance offers numerous advantages for our patients.

Some of the most significant ones include
Small size, making it easy to store or travel with
No bulky or noisy equipment
Freedom to sleep in more comfortable positions
Discreet and quiet
A more natural, less invasive way to improve your airflow
Easy to clean and maintain
More comfortable to wear
A more affordable alternative to CPAP therapy

Suppose your sleep partner, family members, or roommates complain about your snoring or loud CPAP machine. In that case, they’ll like your oral appliance, too! Most patients experience tremendous benefits as soon as the first night of use.

Can An Appliance Help Stop Sleep Apnea and Snoring?

Absolutely. Our practice in Fitchburg has treated thousands of patients with oral appliance therapy. Our sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Brian McDowell, understands how to ensure the most successful outcome for you or your family member.

Oral sleep appliances are effective for mild to moderate cases of obstructive apnea and, in some cases, more severe sleeping disorders (for people who are CPAP intolerant.) Because they work naturally rather than force air into the lungs, our patients respond to them much better than with bulky, invasive mechanical equipment.

As a Fellow of the Las Vegas Institution, Dr. Brian McDowell is one of the leading providers of OSA therapy in the United States. Our practice in Fitchburg provides safe, comfortable, and practical solutions for patients throughout the greater Fitchburg and the surrounding areas.

Schedule A Consultation At Brian McDowell, DDS

Call our sleep apnea specialist at 978-252-2049 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian McDowell to be evaluated for a custom orthodic. With 30+ years of experience, our office has treated patients for sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy from Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Leominster, Westminster, Gardner, MA and many surrounding areas.

Read our dental news to learn about the relation between obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism, how sleep apnea affects your body, and more. You may also follow us on Facebook for more dental tips!