Waking up tired is a frustrating way to start the day. For many, the root cause isn’t just a bad night’s sleep—it’s an underlying issue with how you breathe while you sleep. The structure of your jaw and mouth plays a crucial role in your sleep quality, and for those struggling with sleep apnea, an orthodontic approach could be the key to waking up refreshed. At Best Sleep Today in Grapevine, TX, Dr. Scott Mason specializes in helping patients find effective, comfortable alternatives to CPAP machines.
How Your Jaw Affects Your Airway
The anatomy of your mouth and jaw directly impacts your airway’s ability to stay open during sleep. Several structural factors can contribute to airway obstruction, which is the hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Jaw and Palate Structure: A retruded, or set-back, lower jaw can cause the tongue to fall backward and block your airway. Similarly, a narrow palate, or roof of the mouth, can limit space for your tongue and crowd soft tissues.
- Tongue Posture: Ideal tongue posture involves the tongue resting gently against the palate. When it falls back, it can obstruct airflow.
- Soft Tissue Collapse: As muscles relax during sleep, excess tissue in the throat can collapse, causing vibrations (snoring) or a full blockage.
- Nasal Breathing and TMJ: Difficulty breathing through your nose often leads to mouth breathing, which can worsen airway collapse. Additionally, issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can affect jaw position and airway stability.
A CPAP-Free Solution: Oral Appliance Therapy
For many suffering from sleep apnea, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the standard recommendation. While effective, some find it cumbersome, loud, or uncomfortable. Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) offers a proven and patient-friendly alternative.
Dr. Scott Mason provides customized oral appliances that look similar to a sports mouthguard. These devices, known as Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), work by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue slightly forward. This simple adjustment is often all that is needed to keep your airway open throughout the night, allowing you to breathe freely and sleep soundly.
OAT is an excellent treatment for primary snoring, mild to moderate OSA, and for patients with severe OSA who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.
Your Path to Better Sleep in Grapevine, TX
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation at our Grapevine office. Dr. Mason will assess your jaw structure and oral anatomy. We can also coordinate a home sleep test to diagnose or confirm sleep apnea.
If you are a candidate for OAT, we will take precise digital impressions of your teeth to create a device tailored just for you. The fitting process involves a careful titration, where Dr. Mason makes small adjustments to find the optimal jaw position for comfort and effectiveness.
Patients appreciate OAT for its comfort, portability, and silence. It’s easy to travel with and simple to care for, leading to better adherence compared to other therapies. While some may experience temporary jaw soreness or bite changes, these are typically minor and managed through follow-up adjustments. We ensure the best results with objective verification and ongoing care.
Take the Next Step
If you’re tired of being tired and want to explore a comfortable, effective, non-CPAP solution for sleep apnea, we are here to help.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Mason at Best Sleep Today in Grapevine, TX, and discover how oral appliance therapy can help you achieve the deep, restorative sleep you deserve.
Best Sleep Today
801 W Wall St, Suite 100 Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: 817-623-9699
