Sleep Apnea
Oral appliance therapy is a non-surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and primary snoring. A dentist-prescribed, custom-fabricated oral appliance is worn at night to slightly reposition the lower jaw and tongue, keeping the airway open. It's recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate OSA and for patients who can't tolerate CPAP.
When oral appliance therapy is the right answer
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the gold standard for severe sleep apnea. But many patients either don't tolerate it or don't need it and for them, oral appliance therapy offers a much more livable solution.
Who's a good candidate for oral appliance therapy:
Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea confirmed by a sleep study
CPAP intolerance — claustrophobia, mask discomfort, tubing issues
Primary snoring without full-on sleep apnea
Combination therapy — sometimes used alongside CPAP for specific patients
Who's not a good candidate:
Severe sleep apnea requiring full CPAP support
Significant TMJ dysfunction that would be worsened by jaw repositioning
Patients without enough healthy teeth to anchor the appliance
How it works
Consultation and exam. Review of your sleep study, medical history, jaw and bite analysis.
Digital scan. A 3D scan of your upper and lower teeth.
Custom appliance fabrication. The device is made in a dental lab precisely for your mouth.
Fitting visit. The appliance is placed, adjusted for comfort, and jaw position optimized.
Titration period. Small adjustments over 2–8 weeks to find the ideal position.
Follow-up sleep study. Confirms the appliance is working before we finalize the titration.
Ongoing maintenance. Annual check-ins to monitor the appliance and your airway health.
What to expect
The first few nights — takes adjustment. Mild jaw soreness or saliva increase is normal.
Within 1–2 weeks — most patients acclimate fully and sleep soundly.
Improvement in snoring is usually noticeable within days.
Full apnea resolution typically confirmed by a follow-up sleep study.
Other Services
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sleep study first?
Will my insurance cover the appliance?
Is oral appliance therapy as effective as CPAP?
How long does the appliance last?
Will wearing an oral appliance cause jaw problems?
