Dentists can treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance — a device similar to a night guard that repositions the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep.
It’s not right for every case. Severe sleep apnea typically requires a CPAP machine. But for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP, or who want a simpler option, an oral appliance can be effective.
What it does
The appliance holds the lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the soft tissue at the back of the throat from collapsing into the airway. That’s the mechanical cause of most obstructive sleep apnea — airway obstruction during sleep leads to snoring, repeated awakenings, and fragmented sleep.
Who it helps
This treatment may work for you if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- You snore loudly and wake up tired
- You’ve tried CPAP and can’t use it consistently
- You want a travel-friendly alternative
We recommend getting a formal sleep study before starting treatment so we know the severity of your sleep apnea and can document improvement.
What to expect
We take a digital scan of your teeth and have the appliance custom-made to fit your mouth. You’ll come in for a fitting and adjustment. Most patients see improvement within a few weeks of consistent use.
The appliance needs to be cleaned daily and replaced periodically as it wears.
Questions
Do I need a prescription for a sleep apnea appliance?
A medical diagnosis of sleep apnea is recommended before starting treatment so we can coordinate with your physician if needed.
Will insurance cover it?
Oral appliance therapy is often covered under medical insurance, not dental. Our team can help with documentation for your claim.
Call Centennial Family Dentistry at (702) 385-7415 or contact us online to discuss whether an oral appliance is right for you. We serve patients from Centennial Hills, Summerlin, Lone Mountain, and Northwest Las Vegas.