After struggling through sleep apnea and snoring for years, you finally got a custom-made sleep appliance that is going to help you get the rest you need. It was designed just for you by your sleep dentist, adjusted in-office, and you couldn’t wait to see how you felt the next morning. But the device is a little uncomfortable, a little awkward, and things just don’t feel right yet. This is perfectly normal! While an adjustment period is expected, there are a few things you can do to speed it along.
What to Expect
Chances are you haven’t slept with an oral device until this point, so your body will take some time to adapt. Generally, this process lasts about 2-3 weeks. At first, you might experience sensations of tightness in your mouth, increased drooling, and even slight gagging if your reflex is sensitive. All of this will go away in time! But if they persist past the 3-week mark, be sure to reach out to your dentist.
Getting Used to Your Oral Appliance
The main thing is exposure, in that the more you wear your appliance, the quicker it will start to feel like a regular part of your routine.
Commit to wearing your appliance every night even if it feels a little odd at first. You could put it on an hour or so before bed to make things easier. If your gag reflex is a problem, wearing it for short stints throughout the day can be helpful in making your body calm down.
Be sure to clean your appliance daily. Every morning, simply rinse it under cool or lukewarm water (never hot), and use a soft-bristled toothbrush along with colorless liquid soap (never toothpaste) to scrub any debris away. In short, it will be much easier to wear your appliance if it’s fresh and clean!
A weekly soak with a dentist-approved cleaning solution can take care of any persistent buildup.
It Gets Easier!
Time is your friend. While your oral appliance might be a tad uncomfortable initially, you’ll notice you feel better in the morning fairly quickly. This should be tremendously motivating! The benefits of consistent sleep should far outweigh any growing pains. But don’t hesitate to tell your dentist if things still don’t feel right after a few weeks. Sometimes a small tweak is all that’s necessary to unlock the sleep you’ve always wanted.
About the Practice
At Elevate Dental, Dr. Mike and Dr. Kristen Gibilisco enable patients to overcome sleep apnea, chronic snoring, and other sleep breathing issues with personalized oral appliance therapy. A conservative and effective CPAP alternative, they’re eager to help you get your life and health back under control.
You can get in touch with our friendly team to schedule a consultation by calling (802) 658-4873 or clicking here.