Sleep & Airway
Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances
A custom-fitted appliance worn at night can ease snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea — for many people, a far easier alternative to CPAP.
Better Sleep
How an Oral Appliance Works
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep and block the airway, interrupting breathing repeatedly through the night. It’s strongly associated with loud snoring, daytime exhaustion, morning headaches and — importantly — with high blood pressure and heart problems.
A mandibular advancement appliance looks a little like a sports mouthguard. Worn at night, it holds your lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the airway open. It’s custom-made from impressions of your teeth, so it fits precisely and comfortably.
Who It Suits
Oral appliance therapy is well established for snoring and for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and for patients with severe apnea who genuinely cannot tolerate CPAP. Many people find an appliance far easier to live with — it’s silent, needs no power, and travels easily.
Diagnosis Comes First
Sleep apnea is a medical condition, and it must be diagnosed by a physician through a sleep study — we can’t diagnose it ourselves, and we won’t pretend otherwise. If you suspect apnea, we’ll help you get properly assessed and work alongside your doctor. Once diagnosed, we make and adjust the appliance and monitor your teeth and jaw joints over time.
Why Patients Prefer an Appliance
- Quiet, compact and easy to travel with
- No mask, hose or power supply
- Custom-made for a comfortable fit
- We coordinate with your physician
Answers
Related Questions
Can you diagnose my sleep apnea?
No — diagnosis requires a sleep study ordered and interpreted by a physician. What we can do is recognise the signs, help you get referred, and then provide and manage the oral appliance once you have a diagnosis.
Will it change my bite?
Small bite changes can occur with long-term wear, which is why we monitor your bite and jaw joints at your regular visits and adjust as needed. We’ll discuss this openly before you start.
Does insurance cover it?
Because it treats a diagnosed medical condition, oral appliance therapy is often billed to medical rather than dental insurance. Coverage varies by plan — we’ll help you understand what’s involved.
Keep Reading
Explore Related Care
Helpful next steps for your smile.
General Dentistry
Our everyday care.
Learn more →Dental Anxiety & Comfort
Comfort-focused care.
Learn more →Request an Appointment
Come talk it through.
Learn more →Snoring or Exhausted During the Day?
Let’s talk about whether an appliance could help. Call us.
(951) 679-052028125 Bradley Road, Suite #210, Menifee, CA 92586 · Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed 1–2 PM) · Sat–Sun closed