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Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a quiet, comfortable, and economical treatment for sufferers of sleep apnea. Dr. Louie can diagnose this disorder with either a take home test or with the help of a sleep lab. Once you are diagnosed, it is important to find the right method to help you sleep better and keep breathing.

The old-fashioned method of treating sleep apnea required patients use a CPAP machine when they sleep. Loud, bulky, and uncomfortable, up to 85% of people who are supposed to use CPAP machines cannot tolerate wearing them, rendering the treatment useless.

The Right Tool for the Job
There are two main types of devices:

  • Mandibular advancement devices (MAD)
  • Tongue retaining devices (TRD)

Dr. Louie is a premier provider of oral appliance therapy in Los Angeles.

MAD is the most common method. It holds the lower jaw forward, holding the collapsible part of your airway. Over time, it also strengthens the airway by exercising the tongue and airway muscles. This will help you to stay healthy and comfortable in the long-term, allowing you not only to stave off symptoms now, but build up strength to fend them off on your own.

In our office, we offer three different brands of appliances: TAP, Herbst, and EMA. With these choices, Dr. Louie can find a perfect match for your mouth size, shape, and even color preference.

A Perfect Fit

Dr. Louie will work with you to determine the best method to treat your sleep apnea. Using impressions of your teeth, he will create a tailored device similar to a mouthguard or retainer. Your device will be made for you in-office rather than in a dental lab, saving you time and money. Adjustments will be made to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit. Once it is ready, you only need to remember to put the device in your mouth before bed to ensure easy, unobstructed sleep.

A Better Way

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has approved OAT as a first line of treatment for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Over 100 types of appliances are on the market. They cannot be bought over the counter, and instead must be made for you by a specialist like Dr. Louie.

Oral devices have several advantages over CPAP machines. They are:

  • Comfortable
  • Easy to use
  • Portable
  • Quiet

OAT is comfortable, quiet, and simple to use. Wearing your device each night is an easy way to improve both sleep and quality of life for you and those who sleep near you.