An oral sleep apnea appliance is a custom dental device worn while sleeping. For appropriate patients, an oral appliance can help keep the upper airway open by repositioning the lower jaw or tongue.

Oral appliance therapy is primarily used for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea and may also be used for some people with troublesome snoring.

How Does an Oral Appliance Work?

During sleep, the muscles of the throat relax. In some people, this can cause the airway to become narrower.

A custom oral appliance is designed to hold the jaw or related structures in a position that can help reduce airway obstruction.

The exact design depends on the patient’s anatomy, diagnosis and treatment needs.

Who May Benefit?

Oral appliance therapy may be considered for:

  • Certain adults with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
  • Some patients who cannot tolerate CPAP
  • Patients who prefer an alternative to CPAP when medically appropriate
  • Certain patients with primary snoring

A sleep physician or qualified healthcare provider should determine whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate for your specific diagnosis.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Appliances

A professionally fitted oral appliance is different from a generic device purchased online or over the counter.

A custom appliance can be designed around your teeth, bite and treatment requirements.

What to Expect

The process may include:

  • Sleep and medical history review
  • Dental and airway evaluation
  • Review of sleep study results when available
  • Digital impressions or other records
  • Custom appliance fabrication
  • Appliance fitting
  • Follow-up and adjustments
  • Follow-up sleep testing when recommended

Follow-Up Is Important

Sleep apnea treatment does not end when an appliance is delivered.

Follow-up appointments allow the dental team to evaluate comfort, fit, bite changes and other concerns. Follow-up sleep testing may also be recommended to determine whether the appliance is effectively treating the sleep-related breathing disorder.

Is an Oral Appliance Right for You?

If you have sleep apnea or chronic snoring, schedule an evaluation to discuss whether oral appliance therapy may be an appropriate option.