Oral appliance therapy

A small, custom-made appliance that holds your lower jaw forward while you sleep, so your airway stays open and you breathe quietly through the night. No mask, no hose, no machine on the nightstand.

Request an appointment Call (623) 387-9878

Dental models on the lab bench where appliances are checked

How it works

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the soft tissue at the back of the throat relaxes during sleep and narrows or closes the airway. A mandibular advancement appliance fits over your upper and lower teeth and holds the lower jaw slightly forward. That small change keeps the base of the tongue from falling back and keeps the airway open, so breathing stays steady and snoring quiets.

Each appliance is made for you from records of your teeth and bite, then fitted and adjusted in the office. It is small enough to carry in a pocket, silent, and needs no power.

Who it helps

Adults diagnosed with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
People with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP.
People who snore and want to stop, once sleep apnea has been ruled out or treated.
Frequent travelers and light sleepers who find a machine hard to live with.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine recommend a custom, titratable oral appliance, made and fitted by a qualified dentist, for adults with obstructive sleep apnea who do not tolerate CPAP or prefer an alternative.

What happens at your visits

Diagnosis first. If you have not had a sleep study, we start with the home sleep test.
Examination. Dr. Lynch examines your teeth, gums, jaw joints and airway, and takes records of your bite.
Your appliance is made. A dental laboratory makes the appliance to those records.
Fitting. We fit it, show you how to wear and clean it, and set the starting position of your jaw.
Adjustment and follow-up. Over the following visits we move the jaw position in small steps until you sleep well, then check the fit and your bite at regular follow-ups.

Compared with CPAP

CPAP is effective when it is used every night, and for some people it remains the best treatment. The difficulty is the mask, the noise, the hose and the travel case. An oral appliance asks less of you each night, which is why so many people wear it more consistently. If you already own a CPAP and cannot get on with it, bring your sleep study and we will talk through both options.

Insurance and Medicare

Oral appliance therapy is billed as medical treatment. We accept major medical insurance and Medicare, and we check your benefits and explain any cost before anything is made. See your visit for what to bring.

Questions patients ask

Can an oral appliance replace my CPAP?

For many adults with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP, or who prefer an alternative, the sleep medicine guideline supports a custom oral appliance as treatment. Whether it is right for you depends on your diagnosis and your mouth, which is what the first visit is for.

Does it work for severe sleep apnea?

Oral appliances are most often used for mild to moderate sleep apnea, and for people with severe apnea who cannot use CPAP. We tell you honestly what to expect from your test results, and we work with your physician when CPAP or another treatment is the better choice.

Do I need a sleep study first?

Yes. Sleep apnea is diagnosed from a sleep test, not from symptoms alone. Our home sleep test is the usual first step, and if you already have a recent study, bring it.

Will it change my bite or hurt my jaw?

A well-fitted appliance should be comfortable. Some people notice tooth or jaw tenderness in the first weeks, which usually settles. We check your bite and jaw at every follow-up and adjust the appliance as needed.

Is it covered by insurance?

Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is medical treatment, so it is billed to medical insurance rather than a dental plan. We accept major medical insurance and Medicare, and we check your benefits before you commit.

How long does an appliance last?

With normal care an appliance lasts several years. We check it at your follow-up visits and tell you when it is time to replace it.