Herbst Oral Appliance – Wesley Chapel, FL
Improve Your Quality of Life with Herbst Oral Appliances
Are you among the 22 million adults who live with obstructive sleep apnea? You can get the rest you need and breathe easier without your CPAP machine. An oral appliance for sleep apnea in Wesley Chapel is effective for treating mild-to-moderate cases of the disorder. There are many brands available, but one of the most patient-preferred is the Herbst or appliance from our Wesley Chapel, FL dentist. Dr. Nelson creates the comfortable, flexible device you need to sleep soundly.
How Does an Oral Appliance Treat Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or throat collapse to block the airway. This causes several pauses in breathing frequently throughout the night. The most traditional treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine, which delivers steady air pressure to keep the airway open. Although it is effective, it can be bothersome, so it has a low patient-compliance rate.
An oral appliance is a comfortable and effective alternative to a CPAP. A custom-fit device repositions the lower jaw forward to prevent the soft tissues from blocking your airway. When compared to a CPAP, it has a higher compliance rate because it resolves the disadvantages of using the machine.
What is a Herbst Oral Appliance?
Herbst oral appliances have been the trusted choice for orthodontic and TMJ treatment since 1909, but they are quickly becoming an equally popular option for obstructive sleep apnea. Modifications to the device allow it to protrude the lower jaw forward, making it effective for treating sleep apnea and chronic snoring.
When compared to other oral appliances on the market, Herbst offers superior benefits, including:
- Superior comfort and retention.
- Medicare-approved.
- Allows lateral movements.
- Adjustable within a 5.0mm range.
- Available in standard telescopic mechanism or shim version.
- Adjustable to find the right position for relief.
What Can I Expect with a Herbst Oral Appliance?
Dr. Nelson takes images and impressions of your mouth to create a comfortable oral appliance from acrylic material. He places it into your mouth to evaluate for retention. He can adjust it in small increments using a threaded system. This moves the lower jaw into the ideal resting position. The telescoping arms on either side hold it there while you sleep.
You’ll wear the device each night to enlarge your airway to prevent pauses in breathing. This allows you to maintain adequate oxygen levels to overcome the complications of obstructive sleep apnea.
With the right care, your oral appliance can last for several years before needing to be replaced. It’s best to rinse it with cool water daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to keep foul odors at bay. It’s important to keep it in its protective case when it’s not in your mouth.
Breathe Easier Today!
You can get the rest you need without a loud, bulky machine. Contact Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine today to see if you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy. Dr. Nelson will improve your general health and your quality of life with personalized sleep apnea treatment in Wesley Chapel.