Discover a Comfortable Alternative to CPAP for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
If snoring, disrupted sleep or daytime fatigue are affecting your quality of life, you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. OSA occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax during sleep, causing your airway to narrow or collapse and leading to repeated breathing pauses. Even if you do not remember waking up, these interruptions fragment your sleep and can leave you feeling exhausted, foggy and irritable. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Sleep physicians recommend CPAP and Oral Appliance Therapy (Sleep Appliances) as first line treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Both of these modalities help to improve breathing and quality of sleep. Both modalities have their benefits and can have some limitations. Even in some severe cases both modalities are combined for optimal success. CPAPs can pose challenges with discomfort, mask leaks, tolerance and difficulty traveling. Sleep Appliances require non active dental and periodontal disease. Custom oral sleep appliances gently reposition your jaw and tongue during sleep to keep your airway open and reduce obstruction. They are small, silent and portable. We’d love to discuss these options with you to determine what is ideal for your situation.
What Are Sleep Appliances?
A sleep appliance is a custom made device worn in your mouth while you sleep.
It works by moving the lower jaw slightly forward, which stabilizes the airway, prevents the tongue from blocking airflow, reduces soft tissue vibration (the source of snoring) and improves oxygen flow throughout the night.
Unlike generic mouthguards, each appliance is designed using digital scans and jaw alignment assessments to match your unique anatomy.
Appliances for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Currently there are over 120 FDA approved appliances available. After treating 6,500+ cases we can determine what type of appliance is best for you. Generally speaking, these appliances work by helping prevent the lower jaw, tongue, and attached tissue from “sagging” back and collapsing at nighttime. These engage the teeth like a retainer and gently position the jaw in an ideal position determined by our providers and technology
7 Signs a Sleep Appliance May Help You
If any of these situations sound familiar, consider asking about oral appliance therapy:
- Jaw Pain, Morning Headaches or Facial Tension – You wake up with jaw soreness or tension headaches from nighttime clenching. An appliance can relieve these symptoms by aligning the jaw.
- Diagnosed Mild or Moderate Sleep Apnea – You have confirmed sleep apnea but find CPAP difficult to tolerate. Oral appliances can be effective for mild to moderate cases and are often recommended as an alternative.
- CPAP Intolerance or Noncompliance – You find the CPAP mask uncomfortable or cannot wear it consistently.
- Chronic Snoring or Frequent Nighttime Awakenings – You or your partner notice loud snoring, gasping or repeated awakenings during the night.
- Brain Fog, Daytime Fatigue or Sleepiness – You struggle with fatigue, poor focus or low energy despite sleeping for hours.
- Mouth Breathing or Frequent Dry Mouth – You often wake with a dry mouth or notice that you sleep with your mouth open. A sleep appliance may encourage nasal breathing and better airway alignment.
- Elevated Blood Pressure or Heart Health Concerns – Sleep disordered breathing can increase blood pressure and strain your heart. Addressing airway obstruction with a comfortable oral appliance may help reduce cardiovascular risks.
Why Early Treatment with a Sleep Appliance Matters
Sleep apnea and chronic snoring can contribute to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, cognitive impairment and reduced quality of life. Addressing airway problems early may lower your risk of these complications. Many patients assume that oral appliances are ineffective or too expensive. However, custom appliances are often more cost effective than CPAP equipment and can dramatically improve sleep quality, daily energy and overall health.
Can a Sleep Appliance Permanently Cure Your Sleep Apnea?
Oral appliances do not guarantee a permanent cure, but they can offer lasting relief for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring. When fitted precisely and used consistently, they are as effective as CPAP for many patients. Ongoing adjustments and regular monitoring help maintain comfort and effectiveness.
Our Approach to Oral Appliance Therapy
We believe in addressing the root cause of your sleep problems, not just the symptoms. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with board certified sleep physicians to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here’s what you can expect:
- Comprehensive Evaluation – We review your sleep history and symptoms. If needed, we coordinate a home or lab based sleep study to confirm diagnosis.
- Advanced Diagnostics – We use digital scans, bite registration, CBCT imaging, joint vibration analysis and airway measurements to understand your jaw structure and airway health.
- Custom Fit and Adjustment – Your appliance is designed to fit your unique anatomy. We ensure it is comfortable, make small adjustments and provide instructions for use.
- Ongoing Monitoring – Regular follow-ups allow us to monitor your symptoms and adjust the appliance as needed. Most patients notice reduced snoring, improved sleep and better daytime energy within a few weeks.
Benefits of Choosing Our Sleep Appliances
When you choose a custom sleep appliance from us, you’ll enjoy advantages that go beyond simply stopping snoring. Our sleep appliances are…
- Comfortable and Quiet – No masks, hoses or machines. Your appliance is small, silent and easy to wear.
- Portable – Perfect for travel; it requires no electricity and fits easily in a case.
- Non Invasive – Avoids surgery and complements other treatments such as myofunctional therapy, airway orthopedic development & facial development or TMJ therapy.
- Holistic – We consider all factors contributing to sleep disordered breathing, including jaw alignment, tongue posture and airway size. If TMJ dysfunction, diet or lifestyle contributes to your symptoms, we integrate these into your plan.