Do oral airway appliances have side effects?
Published studies show that short-term side effects of oral appliance use may include excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing (with appliance in place), sore jaws, sore teeth, jaw joint pain, dry mouth, gum pain, loosening of teeth and short-term bite changes (how the upper and lower teeth come together). There are also reports of dislodgement of ill-fitting dental restorations. Most of these side effects are minor and resolve quickly on their own or with minor adjustment of the appliance. Long-term complications include bite changes that may be permanent resulting from tooth movement or jaw joint repositioning. These complications may or may not be fully reversible once appliance therapy is discontinued. If not, restorative treatment or orthodontic intervention may be required for which you will be responsible. CPAP masks have also been known to move teeth and change bites due to constant pressure on lips, teeth and jaws.
