Dental Sleep Therapy: A Better Night’s Sleep Starts Here

If you or a loved one struggles with snoring or sleep apnea, you’re not alone—and your dentist may be able to help. Dental sleep therapy offers a comfortable, non-invasive way to improve your breathing and quality of sleep.

What Is Dental Sleep Therapy?

Dental sleep therapy focuses on treating sleep-related breathing disorders—most commonly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring—using custom oral appliances.

These appliances are worn while you sleep and are designed to gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open throughout the night.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the airway becomes blocked.

Common symptoms include:

Loud snoring

Gasping or choking during sleep

Daytime fatigue or sleepiness

Morning headaches

Difficulty concentrating

Left untreated, sleep apnea can impact your overall health.

How Does a Dental Appliance Help?

A custom oral appliance works by:

Gently moving the lower jaw forward

Preventing the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway

Allowing for more consistent airflow during sleep

This helps reduce or eliminate snoring and improves breathing throughout the night.

Who Is a Candidate?

Dental sleep therapy may be right for you if you:

Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea

Cannot tolerate a CPAP machine

Experience chronic snoring

Are looking for a more comfortable, travel-friendly option

A proper diagnosis from a physician or sleep study is typically required before treatment.

What Is the Process Like?

Getting a sleep appliance is simple and personalized:

Evaluation and review of your sleep study

Impressions or digital scans of your teeth

Custom fabrication of your oral appliance

Fitting and adjustments for comfort and effectiveness

Follow-up visits to monitor results

Your dental team works closely with your physician to ensure the best outcome.

Benefits of Dental Sleep Therapy

Comfortable and easy to wear

Quiet and portable (great for travel)

Non-invasive alternative to CPAP

Improves sleep quality for you—and your partner

Supports overall health and well-being

Common Questions

“Is it as effective as a CPAP?”

CPAP is often considered the gold standard for severe sleep apnea, but oral appliances are highly effective for many patients—especially those with mild to moderate cases.

“Will it be uncomfortable?”

Most patients adjust quickly, and appliances are custom-made for a comfortable fit.

“Will insurance cover it?”

In many cases, medical insurance (not dental) may help cover treatment for sleep apnea.

Sleep Better, Feel Better

Quality sleep is essential to your health—and dental sleep therapy offers a simple, effective way to improve it.

If snoring or sleep apnea is affecting your life, your dental team is here to help you find a solution that works for you.