Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom-fitted dental devices offer one of the most popular and effective alternatives to CPAP. These mouthpieces gently reposition your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open during sleep. Oral appliances are small, portable, and comfortable, with no masks, hoses, or machines required. They’re particularly effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea and have compliance rates of 75-90%, often exceeding CPAP adherence. The devices are silent, require no electricity, and fit easily in a travel case, making them ideal for people with active lifestyles.

Positional Therapy

Many people experience sleep apnea primarily when sleeping on their back. Positional therapy uses specialized devices or techniques to encourage side sleeping, which can significantly reduce or eliminate apnea events. Options include positional pillows, wearable devices that vibrate when you roll onto your back, and specialized sleep shirts with built-in positioning aids. This approach works best for patients with mild to moderate positional sleep apnea and can be combined with other treatments for enhanced effectiveness.

Lifestyle and Weight Management

For overweight patients with mild sleep apnea, weight loss can dramatically improve or even resolve the condition. Studies show that losing just 10% of body weight can reduce the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by up to 50%. Combined with other lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol before bedtime, treating nasal congestion, quitting smoking, and maintaining regular sleep schedules, this approach offers a medication-free path to better sleep. While lifestyle modifications work best for mild cases, they’re beneficial as complementary treatments for all severity levels.

Surgical Solutions

When conservative treatments aren’t effective or structural abnormalities are present, surgical options can provide lasting relief. Procedures range from minimally invasive options like radiofrequency ablation to more comprehensive surgeries such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or maxillomandibular advancement. Inspire therapy, an innovative treatment that uses a small implanted device to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve and keep the tongue forward, offers another surgical alternative. Surgery is typically considered when other treatments have failed or when anatomical factors are the primary cause of obstruction.

Effectiveness Rates

Success rates vary by treatment type and patient selection. Oral appliances show 50-80% reduction in apnea events for mild to moderate sleep apnea, with clinical studies demonstrating 80-90% patient compliance. Positional therapy can reduce AHI by up to 50% for position-dependent sleep apnea sufferers. Lifestyle modifications, particularly weight loss of 10% or more, can decrease AHI by 30-50% in overweight patients. Surgical interventions have success rates of 50-80% depending on the specific procedure and careful patient selection, with some patients achieving complete resolution of symptoms.

Timeline for Results

Different alternatives provide results at different speeds. Oral appliances typically show improvement within the first week of use, with most patients fully adapting within 2-4 weeks. Positional therapy can produce immediate results on the very first night when back sleeping is successfully avoided. Lifestyle changes require more patience, with noticeable improvements appearing over 2-3 months as weight loss progresses and healthy habits become established. Surgical options involve recovery periods ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months, with full benefits realized once healing is complete.

Ensuring Long-Term Success

Consistency is the foundation of successful treatment regardless of which alternative you choose. Use your oral appliance every single night, even when traveling or feeling well. Maintain commitment to positional therapy devices and sleeping positions. Stick with lifestyle changes and healthy habits long-term, not just until symptoms improve. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. Follow-up sleep studies are essential to verify treatment effectiveness and ensure your apnea is being adequately controlled.

Overcoming Challenges

Every treatment comes with an adjustment period and potential obstacles. Minor discomfort with oral appliances typically resolves within the first few weeks as your mouth adjusts to the device. Positional therapy may be challenging initially if you’re accustomed to back sleeping, but most patients adapt with consistent use. Lifestyle changes require dedication and support—consider working with nutritionists, personal trainers, or support groups. Surgical recovery requires patience and following post-operative instructions carefully. Open communication with your healthcare provider ensures any issues are addressed promptly and your treatment can be optimized for the best possible results.

CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping your airway open throughout the night. This gold standard treatment provides immediate relief of symptoms and works for all severities of sleep apnea. Modern CPAP machines are quieter, more comfortable, and offer advanced features like heated humidification and auto-adjusting pressure settings.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom-fitted dental devices that gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open during sleep. These are an excellent alternative for mild to moderate sleep apnea or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. Oral appliances are comfortable, easy to use, and highly portable, making them perfect for travel. They require no electricity or machines, operate silently, and have high patient satisfaction rates with compliance levels of 75-90%.

Lifestyle Modifications

For mild sleep apnea, lifestyle changes can significantly improve or even resolve symptoms without the need for devices or surgery. Weight loss of even 10% can make a substantial difference in reducing apnea events. Other effective changes include positional therapy (sleeping on your side instead of your back), avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, treating nasal congestion and allergies, quitting smoking, and establishing regular sleep schedules. These modifications work best when combined with other treatments for moderate to severe cases.

Surgical Options

When other treatments are unsuccessful or inappropriate, surgical interventions may be recommended to remove or reduce tissue blocking the airway or to reposition anatomical structures. Common procedures include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to remove excess throat tissue, maxillomandibular advancement to reposition the jaw, Inspire therapy which uses hypoglossal nerve stimulation to keep the tongue forward, and nasal surgery to improve airflow. Surgery is typically considered after conservative treatments have been tried or when structural abnormalities are the primary cause of sleep apnea.

Initial Adjustment Period

Most treatments require an adjustment period of 2-4 weeks. You may experience:

• Initial discomfort as you adapt to the device
• Temporary side effects that typically resolve quickly
• Gradual improvement in symptoms
• Learning curve for proper use and maintenance

Short-Term Benefits (Weeks to Months)

• Reduced or eliminated snoring
• Better sleep quality and fewer awakenings
• Increased daytime energy and alertness
• Improved mood and concentration
• Happier bed partner

Long-Term Benefits (Months to Years)

• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
• Better blood pressure control
• Improved blood sugar regulation
• Lower risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness
• Enhanced overall quality of life

Ongoing Care

Regular follow-ups with your sleep specialist ensure:

• Treatment remains effective
• Devices are functioning properly
• Any issues are addressed promptly
• Adjustments are made as needed

Comfortable & Convenient

• Small, lightweight, and fits entirely in your mouth
• No masks, hoses, or machines required
• Perfect for travel with no electricity needed
• Quiet operation with no noise disturbance

High Success Rates

• Clinically proven effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea
• Studies show compliance rates of 75-90%
• Significantly reduces or eliminates snoring
• Improves oxygen saturation and sleep quality

Custom-Fitted for You

• Precisely crafted to fit your unique dental anatomy
• Adjustable to optimize effectiveness
• Made from durable, biocompatible materials
• Comfortable for nightly use

Better Quality of Life

• Enjoy natural sleeping positions without restrictions
• No more disruption to your bed partner from machine noise
• Increased energy and alertness throughout the day
• Reduced health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea

Step 1: Consultation

Your dentist or sleep specialist will evaluate your sleep apnea diagnosis, dental health, and jaw anatomy to determine if oral appliance therapy is appropriate.

Step 2: Dental Impressions

Precise molds of your upper and lower teeth are taken to create a perfectly fitted appliance.

Step 3: Custom Fabrication

Your appliance is crafted by specialized dental laboratories using high-quality materials designed specifically for sleep apnea treatment.

Step 4: Fitting & Adjustment

Once your appliance arrives, your provider will ensure proper fit, teach you how to use it, and adjust the advancement setting for optimal effectiveness.

Step 5: Follow-Up Care

Regular appointments help fine-tune the appliance positioning, monitor treatment effectiveness, and ensure the device remains in good condition.

Comfort & Convenience

• Sleep in your own bed in a familiar environment
• No need to travel to a sleep clinic
• Follow your normal bedtime routine
• More natural sleep patterns compared to lab studies

Cost-Effective

• Typically costs less than in-lab sleep studies
• Covered by most insurance plans
• Fewer overhead costs mean savings for patients

Fast Results

• Quick turnaround time for diagnosis
• Receive results within days, not weeks
• Faster path to treatment and better sleep

Clinically Proven

• FDA-approved devices
• Validated for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea
• Analyzed by board-certified sleep physicians

Step 1: Consultation

Schedule a consultation with our sleep specialist to discuss your symptoms and determine if at-home testing is right for you.

Step 2: Receive Your Test Kit

We’ll provide you with an easy-to-use home sleep test device along with clear instructions. Most devices include:

• Chest sensor to monitor breathing effort
• Finger sensor to measure oxygen levels and heart rate
• Nasal cannula to detect airflow

Step 3: Sleep at Home

Wear the device for 1-2 nights while sleeping normally in your own bed. The test is painless and non-invasive.

Step 4: Return the Device

Simply return the device to our office using the prepaid shipping label or drop it off in person.

Step 5: Get Your Results

A board-certified sleep physician will analyze your data and provide a comprehensive report with diagnosis and treatment recommendations.