If you have just received a sleep apnea diagnosis and begun treatment, you might’ve received a brand-new oral appliance—and you should be feeling pretty excited since this piece of equipment is your secret weapon to getting a good night’s sleep! That said, you may be worried about the adjustment period; after all, this new headgear might seem awkward and cumbersome to wear at first and could even cause aggravation. That said, once you adjust to wearing it, you’ll instantly notice a difference in the quality of your sleep. Here are some tips to help you make this transition with ease.
Common Issues During the Adjustment Period
It’s incredibly common for patients to encounter uncomfortable and irritating issues while adjusting to their new oral appliance. Here are a few common examples:
- Drooling – Your mouth might initially mistake your appliance for food, which can cause you to produce more saliva than usual.
- Gagging – Some patients with sensitive gag reflexes experience difficulty when trying to place their appliance.
- Nighttime removal – Sometimes your body might unconsciously remove your appliance at nighttime.
- General discomfort – The appliance will also simply feel unnatural at first, and you might also experience some tightness. That said, this tightness is what helps to secure it while you sleep!
Tips for Easily Adjusting to Your New Oral Appliance
When it comes to adjusting to your new oral appliance, patience is key; you won’t become used to it immediately at first, but over time, your body will adjust and benefit from the therapy. Generally speaking, this period takes 2 to 3 weeks, but it depends on the patient. That said, here are some tips to make this process smoother:
- Remain consistent – In addition to being patient, you’ll want to be sure that you’re being consistent with wearing your appliance. If you’re not wearing it every night, you aren’t giving your mouth the chance to become accustomed to its feel!
- Regular cleaning and maintenance – To maintain the effectiveness of your oral appliance, and to promote good oral health, ensure that you’re keeping your appliance clean and uncompromised. Your dentist will also provide you with detailed instructions for how to do this, and you shouldn’t hesitate to let them know if you encounter any issues.
- Practice good sleeping habits – To help minimize the impact of your oral appliance, you can simply try to lessen the impact of other bedtime distractions or potentially disruptive habits. Limit your late-night snacking to better promote oral hygiene, refrain from smoking, set up a hospitable bedroom environment, and go to bed at a regular time!
Transitioning to a new oral appliance can be a bit challenging at first, but with the right approach and a little patience, you can successfully adjust to using it and reap all of the benefits it has to offer!
About the Practice
The talented team at iSleepSolutions is excited to offer patients and families in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas an exceptional level of service! Under the leadership of Dr. Pam West and Dr. Stephanie Gorczyca, they’re proud to offer a wide range of services aimed at addressing sleep apnea, including oral appliance therapy. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for additional information. Telephone: (702) 602-2000.