Liberty mandibular
advance device dentist

what is
sleep apnea?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea is a disorder experienced by an estimated 25 million people in the United States. When someone with the condition is sleeping, they experience “apneas” which is the clinical name for breathing interruptions.

Repeated apneas can not only disrupt sleep and deplete energy levels, but the condition can also lead to other serious health issues since the strain is put on the heart and blood pressure is increased.

Sleep apnea presents with several symptoms, including:

Fatigue while awake
Reduced focus while awake
Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Restless nights
Snoring
Headaches
Gasping or choking awake
Sexual dysfunction

how does sleep apnea
affect dental health?

Since sleep apnea impacts a patient’s breathing while they’re asleep, dental issues are commonly associated with the condition. Some of the common dental problems that sleep apnea contribute to include:

Dry mouth
Cavities
Gum disease
Teeth clenching or grinding (Bruxism)

How can a dentist help with sleep apnea?

Dentists are often the first line of defense when it comes to diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. They can typically spot signs of the condition by identifying evidence of the dental issues associated with sleep apnea, like swollen gums, dry mouth, tooth decay, and worn teeth.

A Liberty mandibular advance device dentist can also fit sleep apnea patients with a Mandibular Advance Device (MAD) to help treat sleep apnea.

How does a mandibular advance device work?

A MAD looks and functions much like a mouthguard. It’s custom-made to fit perfectly over your teeth and is typically made with hard plastic material. The device reduces the effects of sleep apnea by moving the tongue and lower jaw forward, which effectively opens the patient’s airway while they’re asleep. This reduces the number of apneas as well as snoring since the airway is less restricted.

what to expect when visiting a Liberty mandibular advance device dentist

At Jackson Family Dental, we’ll help you get a better night’s sleep and reduce the likelihood of other health problems associated with sleep apnea.

Here’s what you can expect when you get fitted for a MAD for sleep apnea treatment:

Step 1

The first step is to be officially diagnosed with a sleep apnea disorder.

Step 2

After your condition is confirmed, a dentist will take impressions of your teeth and a custom-fitted MAD will be made.

Step 3

Once the device is created, you’ll have an opportunity to try it out in your mouth. It can be adjusted for premium comfort as well as effectiveness in alleviating sleep apnea.

Step 4

You’ll be shown how to care for your device as well as how to start using it on your own during sleep.

Not sure if a MAD will work for you? That’s what we’re here for. Talk to our dental specialists today to discuss your symptoms and sleep apnea treatment options! Give us a call at (816) 429-5799.

common questions
about MAD sleep apnea

Is it painful to wear a MAD?

When patients first start wearing their oral appliance to sleep, it’s certainly an adjustment. While it’s uncomfortable in the beginning, there should never be any pain associated with wearing it. If there is pain around the gumline or jaw muscles, this usually means an adjustment needs to be made to the device’s fit or other conditions, like TMJ issues, are present.

How long do mandibular advancement devices last?

If a MAD is properly used and cleaned on a regular basis, some patients will have theirs lasting up to five years. Eventually, however, the device will need to be replaced with a new custom-made one.

Do MADs have any side effects?

There may be some side effects experienced by some patients while using the MAD sleep apnea device, but they are fairly minor and include:

Dry mouth upon waking
Overproduction of saliva
Stiff or sore jaw
Slight toothaches

The dentist will monitor your oral health at follow-up appointments to be sure there are no teeth alignment issues presenting due to device adjustments being needed.

I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Jackson and his team. My husband and children have been seeing him for a few years now and I recently switched my care to his team and I am so happy I did. Super sweet, family-oriented, and provide excellent care.

— Elizabeth E.

What a great team they have at Jackson Family Dental. They make the patient experience like no other. 100% class act!

— Drew E.

Best dentist we have ever been to! The entire staff made my daughter’s first visit so easy and safe. Thank you so much!

— Amber S.

They always treat me so well, and pamper me with a warm neck pillow and the massaging chair! It definitely takes the stress away, but the hygienists are so excellent at what they do, and Dr. Jackson is very kind.

— Kathy B.

Everyone here is so very sweet and helpful! they always work with my schedule and help get me an appointment, even if it’s last minute. The office is beautiful and so well run. The best part is they always give you a cookie on the way out.

— Jordan F.