Oral Appliance Therapy
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or struggle with chronic snoring, finding the right treatment matters. Oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, discreet, and travel-friendly solution designed to help you breathe easier, sleep deeper, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Custom-fit to your mouth, these devices gently reposition your jaw or tongue to keep your airway open throughout the night, supporting more consistent, restorative sleep.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy uses a custom dental device (similar to a mouthguard) worn during sleep. It works by:
- Gently moving the lower jaw forward, or
- Stabilizing the tongue to prevent airway collapse
This helps maintain steady airflow and reduces interruptions in breathing caused by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
These devices are most commonly recommended for:
- Mild to moderate sleep apnea
- Chronic snoring
- Individuals who struggle with CPAP therapy
- Frequent travelers needing a portable option
Who Can Benefit from a Custom Oral Appliance?
People with Sleep Apnea
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a custom oral appliance gently repositions your jaw or tongue, keeping your airway open throughout the night. This reduces snoring and apnea episodes, promoting restorative sleep.
Frequent Snorers
Is snoring disturbing your sleep or your partner’s rest? Oral appliances help maintain an open airway, minimizing or eliminating disruptive snoring for peaceful nights.
CPAP Users Seeking Flexbility
If you rely on CPAP therapy but need a travel-friendly alternative, a custom oral appliance complements your current treatment and offers convenience when you’re away from home.
Anyone Wanting Greater Comfort
If you find CPAP masks uncomfortable or intrusive, custom oral appliances provide a more comfortable, minimally invasive option for sleep apnea and snoring relief.
Our Process: Simple, Personalized Care
Consultation & Assessment
Schedule an appointment with a Resolve Sleep Health specialist. Our experts will assess your sleep health and determine if a custom oral appliance is right for you.
Custom Fitting
If recommended, a Sleep Specialist Dentist will take precise impressions of your teeth and jaw to create a custom-fitted oral appliance tailored to your needs.
Ongoing Support & Adjustments
Attend regular follow-up visits to ensure your oral appliance is working effectively. Our team will make adjustments as needed for optimal results and comfort.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy offers a simple, effective way to treat sleep apnea and snoring. For many patients, it’s a more comfortable and sustainable long-term solution.
- Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are completely silent and don’t require bulky equipment, helping both you and your partner sleep more peacefully.
- Compact and portable, your oral appliance can go wherever you do.
- By keeping your airway open throughout the night, oral appliances help reduce interruptions in breathing leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.
- Because they’re more comfortable and easier to use, many patients are more consistent with oral appliance therapy compared to CPAP, leading to better long-term results.
- Treating sleep apnea can help reduce risks associated with untreated sleep disorders, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and daytime fatigue.
Caring for Your Oral Appliance
Like any medical device, proper care is essential for performance and longevity.
Daily cleaning and maintenance help:
- Prevent bacteria buildup
- Extend the life of your appliance
- Ensure optimal comfort and fit
Read our full guide here: How to Maintain Your Oral Appliance: Expert Tips for Cleaning and Daily Use
Oral Appliance vs. CPAP: Which Is Right for You?
CPAP therapy remains the gold standard for moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, many patients find it difficult to tolerate long-term.
Oral appliances provide a practical alternative if:
- You find CPAP uncomfortable
- You need a solution for travel
- You have mild to moderate OSA
- You want a less invasive treatment option
Learn more about how these options compare in our guide: Oral Appliances: CPAP Alternatives for Restorative Sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oral appliance therapy effective for sleep apnea?
Yes, oral appliance therapy is a proven and effective sleep apnea treatment for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This custom-made dental device gently repositions the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, helping reduce snoring, breathing pauses, and disrupted sleep. Many patients experience improved sleep quality, better daytime energy, and a reduction in sleep apnea symptoms without the need for a CPAP machine.
How long does it take to get used to an oral appliance?
Most patients adjust to their oral appliance for sleep apnea within a few nights to a couple of weeks. Comfort improves gradually as the mouth and jaw adapt to the custom-fit device. Some temporary side effects, such as mild jaw discomfort, dry mouth, or excess saliva, may occur during the adjustment period but typically resolve quickly. Regular follow-up visits with your Resolve Sleep Health clinician help ensure optimal fit, comfort, and effectiveness.