Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances—A CPAP Alternative

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing repeated breathing interruptions. Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to serious health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and daytime fatigue.

While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most common treatment, many patients find it uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently. For qualifying patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy offers an effective alternative.

How Oral Appliances Work

A custom oral appliance (also called a mandibular advancement device) is worn during sleep, similar to a retainer or sports mouthguard. It gently positions the lower jaw forward, which helps keep the airway open and reduces or eliminates apnea events and snoring.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

• Comfortable and easy to wear
• Quiet—no machine noise
• Small and portable for travel
• No electricity required
• Higher compliance rates than CPAP for many patients

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?

Oral appliances are typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or those with severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP. A sleep study (polysomnography) is usually required for diagnosis, and your physician or sleep specialist will determine whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate for your case.

We work collaboratively with sleep physicians to ensure you receive appropriate care. If you're interested in oral appliance therapy, we can evaluate whether you're a good candidate and coordinate with your medical team.

The Process

1. Sleep study and diagnosis by a sleep physician
2. Referral or consultation with our office
3. Impressions and fitting for a custom appliance
4. Appliance delivery and adjustment
5. Follow-up sleep study to confirm effectiveness
6. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments as needed