Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include loud or chronic snoring, waking up with headaches, excessive daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The most accurate way to diagnose sleep apnea is through a professional sleep study.

Yes. Many patients benefit from comfortable, non-invasive options such as custom oral appliance therapy, positional therapy, and targeted lifestyle changes. These alternatives can be highly effective, especially for mild to moderate cases.

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to ongoing fatigue, reduced mental clarity, and decreased productivity. Over time, it may also contribute to more serious health concerns. With proper treatment, most patients experience better sleep quality, improved focus, and increased energy.

The process usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. After your initial consultation, we take precise impressions to create your custom-fitted appliance, followed by a fitting appointment to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness.

In many cases, medical insurance plans provide coverage for oral appliance therapy. Coverage varies by provider and policy, and our team can assist you in understanding and maximizing your benefits. Dental insurance typically does not cover these devices.

There is no single best treatment for every patient. For appropriate patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance may be considered as an alternative to CPAP. Your diagnosis, sleep apnea severity, anatomy, medical history, and other factors should be considered before choosing treatment.

If you cannot tolerate CPAP, speak with your sleep physician or qualified sleep healthcare provider rather than simply discontinuing treatment. Depending on your individual circumstances, oral appliance therapy may be one option worth discussing.

For some appropriately selected patients, oral appliance therapy may be used instead of CPAP. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your individual diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

It is a small, custom-made device worn inside the mouth while sleeping. It is designed to position the jaw in a way that helps maintain an open airway.

Many patients appreciate the portability of oral appliances because they are small, require no electricity, and can be stored in a compact case.

Mask-related claustrophobia is one reason some patients have difficulty consistently using CPAP. If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea but cannot comfortably tolerate a mask, ask whether you may be a candidate for an alternative such as oral appliance therapy.

No. Do not discontinue prescribed CPAP therapy without discussing it with your treating healthcare provider. Your consultation is an opportunity to determine whether another treatment option may be appropriate for you.

Yes — for the right patient, a custom oral appliance can genuinely treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It isn’t simply a device for snoring.

If you can’t tolerate CPAP and barely use it, its real-world benefit can be much lower than the oral appliance. An oral appliance that you comfortably wear every night can therefore be more effective. The best sleep-apnea treatment is one that effectively treats your condition—and that you can actually use consistently.

Yes—but severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) requires more caution.

An oral appliance can sometimes be used for severe OSA, particularly when a patient cannot tolerate CPAP or strongly prefers an alternative. However, CPAP/PAP therapy is generally the first-line treatment for severe OSA.

Usually, a properly fitted oral appliance should not be painful, but some patients experience temporary discomfort while they get used to it.

Symptoms often improve as the patient adapts, and the appliance can usually be adjusted for comfort and effectiveness.

You may notice a temporary change in your bite when you wake up. Our custom AM Aligner helps reset your bite each morning, while regular follow-up allows us to monitor your comfort and dental health.

A quality custom oral appliance can typically last several years with proper care. Its lifespan depends on factors like wear, grinding, and how well it is maintained. We monitor your appliance during follow-up visits and can let you know when it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Just with water! No harsh chemicals, no toothpaste, no denture cleaners, no tablets.

Yes! No need for hoses, electricity, various parts.

It takes 2 weeks for the manufacturer to send us your device once we submit the digital impression scan of your teeth to them.

Many medical insurance plans provide coverage for oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Coverage varies by plan, so our team will verify your benefits and help you understand your estimated out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

Yes. Our office is in network with Medicare.

We’ll evaluate your bite and choose an appliance designed to work with your needs. Regular follow-up helps us monitor both your appliance and your teeth.

You may still be a candidate for an oral appliance, depending on your individual situation. We’ll evaluate your dentures, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether an oral appliance is a safe and effective option for you.

Dental implants do not necessarily prevent you from using an oral appliance. We’ll evaluate your implants, bite, and overall oral health to determine the best and safest treatment option for you.

That’s okay. If you haven’t had a sleep study, we can help determine the next step. A sleep study may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

Yes. A custom oral appliance can be an effective treatment for primary snoring when sleep apnea has been ruled out. We’ll evaluate your symptoms and help determine whether an oral appliance is right for you.

We’ll work with you to improve comfort and make adjustments as needed. Most patients have an adjustment period, but if an oral appliance ultimately isn’t right for you, we’ll help you explore other treatment options.