Treatment Overview
About Oral Appliance Therapy
A custom fit appliance made for you in our office can benefit you in several ways.
If you are grinding your teeth, a mouth guard can protect your enamel, prevent further wear, and bring comfort to a sore jaw.
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the upper airway becomes partly or fully blocked during sleep. The cycle can interrupt breathing, fragment sleep, and contribute to symptoms such as loud snoring, restless nights, morning fatigue, or daytime sleepiness.
For some patients with a medical diagnosis of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, a custom oral sleep appliance may be part of the treatment conversation. These appliances are designed to help position the lower jaw or tongue forward so the airway has more room while you sleep.
CPAP remains an important treatment for many people, and oral appliance therapy is not right for every case. We coordinate carefully and help patients understand when a custom dental appliance may be appropriate.
For oral sleep appliances we file medical insurance, and we are in-network with Medicare and Aetna medical plans.
Why patients ask about this
How this care can help
Protect teeth from grinding and clenching wear
Support safer sports participation with a custom guard
Discuss appliance options for snoring or diagnosed sleep apnea needs
Explore a travel-friendly option for some CPAP-intolerant patients
What to expect
A clear path from first visit to next steps
- 1
Problem and history review
We discuss symptoms such as grinding, jaw soreness, snoring, restless sleep, appliance fit issues, or athletic needs. For sleep apnea concerns, a medical diagnosis or medical coordination may be needed.
- 2
Custom fit and bite planning
A custom appliance is planned around your mouth, bite, airway-related goals, and intended use. Custom devices generally fit more precisely than over-the-counter options.
- 3
Fit check and follow-up
We verify comfort, fit, and care instructions so the appliance can be used consistently. Sleep-appliance cases may require follow-up adjustments and coordination with your medical provider.
When to call
Dental symptoms and questions this service can help clarify
Snoring, grinding, or CPAP intolerance questions
Custom oral appliances may be discussed for teeth grinding, athletic protection, and certain diagnosed sleep-disordered breathing needs.
- Medical diagnosis and coordination may be needed for obstructive sleep apnea
- A dental exam checks tooth, gum, jaw, and bite factors before an appliance
- Custom appliances are designed differently from over-the-counter guards
Common treatments
Care options may include
- Mouth guard
- Sleep apnea appliance
- Mandibular advancement appliance
- Athletic mouth guard
Questions
Common questions about oral appliance therapy
Why choose a custom mouth guard?
A custom guard is designed for your mouth and bite, which can improve comfort, protection, and consistency compared with generic options.
Can a dental appliance help with sleep apnea?
Some patients with diagnosed mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, may benefit from oral appliance therapy. It is not a diagnosis or a universal replacement for CPAP, so medical coordination may be needed.
How do oral sleep appliances work?
Many oral sleep appliances gently position the lower jaw, and sometimes the tongue, forward while you sleep. This can create more space behind the tongue and help reduce airway collapse for appropriate patients.
Are custom appliances better than boil-and-bite options?
A custom appliance is made from records of your mouth and bite, which can improve fit, comfort, and consistency. Store-bought or boil-and-bite devices are not designed around the same clinical records.
Helpful guides
Read more before your visit
Related care