Sleep apnea - was just told to use the dental appliance. when can i expect it to get better?

Immediately: According to 2006 american academy of sleep medicine practice parameters, oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea who prefer them over CPAP and should be completed by a dentist with advanced training in sleep medicine. Followup psg testing should be done by sleep physician to give objective evidence of effectiveness.

Depends: Usually if you have been recommended a dental sleep appliance, you probably have a mils form of sleep apnea. Mouthpieces are very effective and not as cumbersome as a CPAP machine- even though, the CPAP is the gold standard of treatment. There a re many mouthpieces out there. I recommend that you possibly get more than one opinion, but do not get one online or at a drug store!

Sleep study: Sleep apnea requires a sleep study for diagnosis. If you have not had a sleep study the "diagnosis" is invalid...See your physician for referral. If you have had sleep study with diagnosis of sleep apnea, ask you physician if you require CPAP or a less invasive treatment, such as a jaw repositioning device. Know that jaw repositioning devices can, over time, cause malocclusion.