Sleep Apnea Appliance Post Op & Care Instructions
Sleep Apnea Appliance Post Op & Care Instructions
Description of Product:
Your sleep apnea appliance is a prosthetic made to improve and/or alleviate symptoms of diagnosed sleep apnea. This patient-specific device is a full-coverage appliance that fits over all of the upper and lower teeth. Your appliance consists of single or multiple layers of acrylic resin. This is a firm material that provides durability. Many also have metal parts and come with a tool for adjustments. They can also be worn in conjunction with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device depending on the type.
Indications of Use:
- Your sleep apnea appliance is intended to treat and lessen the symptoms associated with mild to moderate sleep apnea but these devices can also be used to treat severe sleep apnea in those who are non-compliant with a CPAP.
- Some of the sleep apnea devices come with a morning aligner that helps guide the mandible comfortably back into their normal occlusion/bite. It is recommended that you use this aligner daily after use.
Usage Precautions:
- Not to be used as an athletic sports guard for contact sports. Product is not shock absorbent.
- Not used to treat temporomandibular disorders (TMD), commonly referred to as “TMJ”. Although they can be fabricated with TMD in mind.
- If your sleep apnea appliance becomes loose, tight, fractured or broken, or causes any intraoral discomfort, please contact your dentist immediately.
- Long time use can lead to bite changes. If any changes occur to your dentition, please contact your dentist.
- Your sleep apnea appliance is custom fit to your teeth and will not fit other people.
- Depending on the severity of sleep apnea and/or severity of chronic grinding a new appliance may be needed more often due to wear of acrylic and/or fracturing of parts and pieces that allow the device to work properly.
- If dental work is needed in the future the appliance may not be as retentive and/or comfortable as it initially was and a new one may be needed. These are recommended to be replaced every 2-5 years.
Warnings:
- Do NOT clean or soak in mouthwash. Alcohol based mouthwashes can degrade resins overtime and can pick up the color.
- Do NOT use abrasives such as toothpastes as it will put scratches on it and it will pick up odor and stain.
- Do NOT use denture cleanser.
- Do NOT use scalding hot water.
- Do NOT use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
- Do NOT place in direct sunlight. Keep away from heat sources.
Cleaning Procedures:
- Brush, floss/waterpik and rinse before inserting the appliance.
- Upon removal, rinse with cool water and a soft toothbrush may be used with a mild soap.
Storage:
- Store your appliance up and away from animals, specifically dogs because they love to chew on them.
Follow Up Appointments:
- Bring appliance(s) and any adjustment tools to all of your dental appointments so we can evaluate and adjust as needed with the appropriate tool. We do not keep all the tools in the office to adjust these. If lost we can order for a cost.
If you have any other questions please reach out to our office.