Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea and snoring
A small, custom-made mouthpiece worn while you sleep. It keeps your airway open so you can breathe, and rest, all night long.
How an oral appliance holds your airway open
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your tongue and the soft tissues of your throat fall backward during sleep and block the airway. An oral appliance, also called a mandibular advancement device, prevents that collapse.
- Custom trays fit your upper and lower teeth. They are made from precise impressions of your bite, so they fit snugly and comfortably.
- The trays hold your lower jaw slightly forward, typically just a few millimeters, in a precise position Dr. Lester can adjust.
- Your tongue moves forward with your jaw. The tongue is attached to the lower jaw, so as the jaw moves forward, the base of the tongue and nearby tissues move away from the back of the throat.
- The airway stays open. With more room behind the tongue, air flows freely, so snoring quiets and breathing pauses are reduced or prevented.
Illustration: side view of the throat during sleep. Tap to compare.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy
Comfortable
Slim, custom-fit trays feel similar to a sports mouthguard or retainer. Most patients adjust within a few nights.
Silent
No motor, no air pump, no hissing mask. Just quiet nights for you and your partner.
Travel-friendly
Fits in a small case in your pocket or carry-on. No electricity, distilled water or hoses required.
Easy to care for
Rinse and brush it each morning and store it in its case. There are no filters, tubing or masks to replace.
Adjustable
Dr. Lester can fine-tune the jaw position over time to balance comfort and results.
Evidence-based
Clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine support oral appliance therapy for snoring, and for adults with sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer a different therapy.
Is an oral appliance right for me?
Oral appliance therapy may be a good fit if you:
- Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Have trouble tolerating CPAP, when your physician agrees an appliance is appropriate for your diagnosis
- Snore loudly and want a quieter night’s sleep
- Travel often and want a portable option
- Have enough healthy teeth to support the appliance
During your consultation, Dr. Lester examines your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints to make sure an appliance is a safe and comfortable choice for you. If your sleep apnea is severe, CPAP is usually still the recommended treatment, and some patients are not candidates for an appliance. If another treatment would serve you better, she will tell you and coordinate with your physician.
What to expect
Some patients notice mild jaw or tooth soreness or extra saliva during the first few weeks. These effects usually fade as you adjust. Regular follow-up visits let Dr. Lester monitor your bite and comfort and make adjustments. A follow-up sleep test while wearing the appliance may be recommended to confirm it is working.
Insurance: Because sleep apnea is a medical condition, oral appliance therapy is often billed to medical insurance rather than dental insurance. Coverage varies, so our team will help you verify your benefits. Third-party financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit and Sunbit.
Your treatment, step by step
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Sleep consultation
Dr. Lester reviews your symptoms, sleep habits and health history, and examines your jaw, bite, teeth and airway to see whether an oral appliance may be a good fit.
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Home sleep test
A sleep test is the only way to confirm sleep apnea and how severe it is. Our Rest Assured home sleep testing service lets you complete your test in the comfort of your own bed.
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Results reviewed with you
Your test results are sent to Dr. Lester, who walks you through what they mean. If your sleep apnea is severe or an appliance is not the right fit, she will tell you and help coordinate care with your physician.
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Custom fitting
We take precise impressions of your teeth and have your appliance made for your mouth. At a later visit it is fitted, and you learn how to wear and care for it.
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Fine-tune and confirm
Follow-up visits adjust your jaw position for comfort and results. A follow-up sleep test while wearing the device may be recommended to confirm it is working.