Tired of Tossing and Turning? The EMA® Appliance Could Help You Breathe Easier at Night
Do you struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night? Do you wake up feeling exhausted or experience headaches, fatigue, or lack of concentration during the day? These could be signs that you suffer from sleep apnea.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can take a serious toll on your health and quality of life. But there is help available. Custom oral appliance therapy, such as the EMA appliance, from highly experienced orthodontist Dr. Sheila Birth at Birth & Fletcher Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX, offers a comfortable, effective solution to obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more by dialing (817) 502-9103.
Introducing the EMA Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea
The EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) oral appliance is an adjustable mouthpiece that helps treat obstructive sleep apnea. Worn only at night, it gently moves the lower jaw slightly forward to open up the airway. This prevents the tongue and tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing and relieves obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
The EMA oral appliance has soft elastic straps to allow some range of motion rather than forcing the jaw into one rigid position all night. This customized fit based on each patient’s needs provides optimal comfort and obstructive sleep apnea relief. The elastic tension can also be adjusted gradually at follow-up visits to achieve the ideal jaw position for you. Custom-fitted from dental impressions of your teeth, your EMA device is uniquely molded just for your mouth.
Benefits of the EMA Oral Appliance
Choosing an EMA appliance for sleep apnea treatment has many advantages:
- Comfortable Custom Fit – The elastic mandibular advancement device is molded to your bite for painless wear all night.
- Adjustable Elastic Bands – The elastic mandibular advancement device allows a flexible range of motion for your jaw
- Ease of Use – Wearing the elastic mandibular advancement device is easy. Just insert it at bedtime and remove it in the morning.
- Discreet Appearance – The EMA device is worn only at night during sleep.
- Portable and Travel-Friendly – Slim case slips easily into luggage.
- Proven Effectiveness – Treatment with a customized removable appliance has been shown to significantly reduce apnea events.
- Non-Invasive Solution – Oral appliances are a good alternative to CPAP or surgery.
- Enables Restful Sleep – The EMA appliance allows you to reach deeper sleep stages.
- May Reduce Snoring – By opening the airway and allowing air intake, snoring is often reduced.
- Improved Daytime Function – Sleep apnea relief reduces fatigue, headaches, and concentration problems
- Bruxism Reduction – The EMA Device also protects your teeth from nighttime teeth grinding, relieving pain and preventing jaw damage.
Ideal Candidates for the EMA Oral Appliance
You may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy if any of the following apply to you:
- Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea: Ideal for adults experiencing mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms.
- Target Symptoms: Effective for addressing symptoms like occasional snoring, breathing pauses, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, or tiredness.
- CPAP Compliance Challenges: Individuals finding it challenging to comply with CPAP therapy might be candidates to have a customized removable appliance created for them instead.
- Dental Health Requirements: Mandibular advancement devices require individuals to have healthy natural teeth and/or stable replacement teeth, and the ability to adjust the jaw.
- Alternative Treatment Consideration: Severe apnea cases or specific dental/jaw issues may require alternative treatment options.
The EMA Oral Appliance Process
Consultation
Before getting your custom-made EMA appliance, you’ll attend an initial appointment for a thorough evaluation of your sleep apnea condition. Dr. Birth assesses your overall health to ensure compatibility with the EMA device. A comprehensive review of your medical history is also performed, addressing any pre-existing conditions.
Dr. Birth will discuss your symptoms and recommend suitable treatment options, including the EMA device. Your consultation is a great time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
Impressions
If you’ve been approved, molds of your natural teeth then are taken to create a precise and custom-fitted EMA appliance. This step ensures a comfortable and effective fit tailored to your dental structure.
Preparation
If any preparatory dental work is required before ordering the EMA, Dr. Birth will address it during this phase, ensuring that your oral health is optimized for the appliance.
Delivery
Once your custom EMA device is fabricated, Dr. Birth will fit and adjust it during a dedicated appointment. This ensures the device is properly aligned and comfortable for your specific needs.
Follow-Up
We’ll schedule regular return visits to monitor the fit, function, and comfort of the EMA device. Adjustments are made as needed to enhance its effectiveness and ensure ongoing comfort.
Caring for Your EMA Device
To prolong your EMA’s lifespan and performance, be sure to follow Dr. Birth’s recommendations for caring for the device:
- Clean the device daily by brushing gently with cool water – avoid hot water or harsh chemicals
- Always store the EMA in its protective case when not worn to keep it from warping
- Visit Dr. Birth every six months for examinations to ensure optimal fit and function
- Do not eat very hard, sticky, or crunchy foods while wearing the device. Remove your divide before eating or drinking anything other than cool water.
- Remove when playing contact sports or activities with a high risk of trauma.
- Report any soreness, discomfort, or damage at follow-up appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must I wear my EMA each night?
For best results, insert your custom EMA before bedtime as well as during daytime naps. Consistent use provides maximum apnea relief.
Does the EMA require a prescription?
Yes, you will need a prescription from your sleep dentist before your custom EMA appliance can be ordered.
Will my dental insurance cover the EMA treatment?
Insurance will often cover a portion of the EMA cost, but only if it’s deemed medically necessary. Your dental team can verify your plan details and benefits.
How quickly will the EMA start improving my sleep apnea symptoms?
Most patients report a noticeable reduction in snoring, breathing pauses, and daytime fatigue within the first one to two weeks of use.
Let Dr. Birth Help You Get Your Restful Nights Back With The EMA Appliance
If you or your partner suffer from the exhausting effects of sleep apnea, take action. The EMA oral appliance from expert orthodontist Dr. Sheila Birth could provide the safe, comfortable solution you need. Contact Birth & Fletcher Orthodontics in Fort Worth today at 817-502-9103 to learn more and schedule your consultation.
We also serve patients from surrounding areas such as River Oaks, Arlington, & Westover Hills, TX. We look forward to helping you achieve better sleep and renewed health!