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Oregon City Dentist, Dentist in Oregon City, OR

Alexander C.Y. Lin, D.D.S., P.C.
 

Cosmetic & Familly Dentistry
Including Snoring & Sleep Apnea Solutions

(503)656-8799
Our Services
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Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliances to treat snoring and sleep apnea are small devices that fit over the upper and lower teeth and are worn during sleep to open up the airway. There are two main categories of oral appliances:

The tongue retaining device is made out of a flexible material which fits loosely over the upper and lower teeth. The tongue is pulled forward by the action of a suction bulb in the front. This prevents the tongue from falling back in the throat during sleep and obstructing the airway. The tongue retaining device is used for patients with TMJ problems, periodontal disease, or with many missing teeth.

The mandibular advancement device repositions the lower jaw forward during sleep. This prevents the tongue and soft tissue of the throat from collapsing and blocking the airway. There are many different types of mandibular advancement devices. Although they all have the same function, each one has a different design and we are therefore able to choose one that will be best for each patient. All the applainces that we use are FDA approved and have been shown to be effective.

Treatment Protocol for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Initial Appointment

At the initial appointment you will meet with Dr. Lin for a complete discussion of your sleep disorder. He will answer any questions you may have about your symptoms and discuss the available treatment options. If you have had a sleep study Dr. Lin will review it with you. If you have not had a sleep study and one is indicated Dr. Lin will be happy to make the appropriate referrals. He will also complete a thorough dental evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for oral appliance therapy. This examination will include:

  • a thorough oral evaluation
  • TMJ evaluation
  • radiographs if your dentist does not have recent or adequate dental films.

    We will coordinate all treatment with your physician and dentist. We want to make sure that oral appliance therapy will be a good treatment option for you. (As a courtesy, we will file a claim for reimbursement to your medical insurance carrier for this initial visit.)

    Dental Impression Appointment

    If it has been determined that oral appliance therapy is a good treatment option for you after consultation with your physician and dentist, and you wish to pursue treatment, we will schedule an appointment for dental impressions and bite registration. It will be approximately half an hour in duration.

    Delivery and Follow-Up Appointments

    Approximately 2 -3 weeks after the impression appointment, you will return to the office for delivery of your custom made oral appliance. We will assure that it fits comfortably and review how to care for it. (See Post Insertion Oral Appliance Care)

    Depending on your comfort level and accommodation we will see you every couple of weeks to titrate (advance the mandible) the appliance. Once we determine the treatment objective has been met, we recommend a follow-up sleep study to objectively confirm treatment effectiveness.

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