How important is it to correct a change in my bite?
I recently began treatment for sleep apnea with a custom-fitted oral appliance – a mouth piece that I wear at night to pull my jaw forward. This has done an excellent job in preventing snoring, but has altered my bite. My dentist was very concerned by this, but the doctor that fitted the device (also a dentist) indicated that a change in bite is not serious – nothing more than an annoyance. The change in bite does not bother me, but I am afraid it will cause damage to my teeth down the road. Is this something that I should be concerened about? Do I need to get the bite corrected? I’m kind of in a bad situation where I have to choose between the effective treatment for sleep apnea, and the bite problem.
Tagged with: annoyance • bad situation • dentist • job • mouth piece • oral appliance • sleep • snoring • teeth • treatment for sleep apnea
Filed under: Sleep Apnea Solutions
1stly, since the appliance was to protract your jaw, a change in bite shud`ve been predicted. u need to consult an orthodontist as well, regarding the new bite and whether is it leading to a malocclusion. in this case, all your teeth will be affected over time and change in their positions may occur.
also, a change in bite could lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, though the manifestation is not immediate which might cause ur dentist to overlook the bite change.
so confirm with an orthodontist.
First this is not the only way to cure this form of sleep apnea, just probably the most practical. Surgery I think is probably one of your alternatives. Was it not?
Sleep apnea is the most serious of the two conditions vs the change in bite. Sleep apnea has been involved in heart conditions various stress related diseases among them death. Never have heard of bite causing death only pain!
Thus your sleep apnea must be cured somehow! Use the device until another method has been determined. BUT I ASSURE YOU it is critical that you get your REM sleep. I lived without it for many years but I now use a CPAP device I am 61 and feel 40!
Look into an alternative if you are worried about your bite. The dentist who prescribed the device surely has a degree! Best thing would be to seek a second opinion. The problem with mechanical devices is that they must move things out of place in order to clear the airway! In doing this something must necessarily MOVE! THUS SURGERY of the adnoids, toncils and various other growths inside you must take place or the use of a CPAP device!
Did you go to a sleep lab? Have you tried a CPAP device? I do not know who diagnoised you with apnea. This would be helpful.
Sleep apnea is serious, though not always life threating. It definitely lowers your levels of output and drive. Cuts your edge. Anyway do what you must to conquer it! That is without messing up the rest of your body! If surgery is required, and I am only going from other peoples experiences, then go for it! If however you can use the CPAP device instead then go for it!
That is the device that places a constant pressure on the air passages and inflates them keeping them open. No snoring!
Good Luck and have a Good Day
APS