Chronic snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can affect far more than your sleep — left untreated, they’re linked to daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and other health risks. For appropriately diagnosed patients, Brighten Dental Care offers custom oral appliance therapy as an option to help manage symptoms, working alongside your physician’s diagnosis and care plan.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep and repeatedly block the airway, interrupting breathing throughout the night. This can happen dozens of times per hour without the person fully waking up, leading to poor sleep quality and reduced oxygen levels.
Common Symptoms & Risks
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness despite a full night’s sleep
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health complications when left untreated
Diagnosis Starts With Your Physician
Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician or sleep specialist, typically through an in-lab or at-home sleep study. Brighten Dental Care does not diagnose sleep apnea — our role begins once you have a diagnosis and your physician has determined that you may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy.
CPAP and Oral Appliance Therapy
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is a common first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and is highly effective for many patients. Oral appliance therapy is not a universal replacement for CPAP — it is an alternative option that may be appropriate for select patients, including some who have difficulty tolerating CPAP, depending on the severity of their condition and their physician’s guidance. Whether oral appliance therapy is suitable for you is a decision made together with your treating physician.
How Custom Oral Appliances Work
A custom oral appliance is worn during sleep and works by gently repositioning the jaw to help keep the airway open, reducing airway blockage and associated snoring.
Medical Insurance Considerations
Oral appliance therapy for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea may be covered under medical insurance in some cases, since it is considered a medical rather than dental treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dentist diagnose my sleep apnea?
No. Sleep apnea is a medical diagnosis made by a physician or sleep specialist, usually through a sleep study. We can discuss symptoms and next steps with you, but a formal diagnosis has to come from a medical provider before oral appliance therapy can begin.
Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?
CPAP remains a highly effective first-line treatment for many patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy is a different option that may be appropriate for some patients depending on the severity of their condition, and the right choice is one you make together with your physician.
How do I get started?
If you’ve already been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, bring your sleep study results or physician’s referral to a consultation and we’ll evaluate whether oral appliance therapy may be a good option for you. If you haven’t been evaluated yet, we can help point you toward next steps for a medical diagnosis.
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or struggle with chronic snoring, schedule a consultation to find out if oral appliance therapy may be right for you.
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