How Can an Oral Sleep Appliance Help You Sleep Better?

Sleeping Soundly

Breathe Easier at Night: How an Oral Sleep Appliance Can Help with Sleep Apnea

If you or someone you love struggles with loud snoring, restless sleep, or chronic fatigue, the root cause may be sleep apnea—a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even memory problems. Fortunately, treatment options are available, and one of the most convenient and effective for many people is a custom oral sleep appliance.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close. This leads to brief periods where breathing stops—sometimes hundreds of times a night—causing fragmented sleep and lower oxygen levels in the body.

Common symptoms include:

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Gasping or choking during sleep

• Morning headaches

• Daytime fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

  
  

Traditional Treatment: CPAP Machines

The most commonly prescribed treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea is the CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). While highly effective, CPAP therapy isn’t ideal for everyone. Many patients find the mask uncomfortable, noisy, or difficult to use consistently.

That’s where oral sleep appliances come in.

What Is an Oral Sleep Appliance?

An oral sleep appliance is a custom-made mouthpiece that is worn while you sleep. Its primary job is to gently reposition the lower jaw and tongue to help keep your airway open throughout the night.

These devices are:

• Compact and portable

• Quiet and easy to use

• Non-invasive and comfortable

• Ideal for travel

  
  

How Does It Help with Sleep Apnea?

By advancing the lower jaw slightly forward, the oral appliance prevents the airway from collapsing. This allows air to flow freely, reducing or eliminating snoring and apneic episodes. For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances can be just as effective as CPAP—especially when worn consistently.

Photo of a closed off airway. A sleep appliance will move the jaw forward to open the airway

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may benefit from an oral sleep appliance if:

• You have mild to moderate OSA

• You cannot tolerate or do not want to use a CPAP

• You snore loudly but haven’t been diagnosed with sleep apnea (a sleep study is still recommended)

• You want a quieter, more portable solution for better sleep

A qualified sleep dentist can evaluate your condition, create a custom-fitted device, and work with your physician or sleep specialist to ensure optimal results.

The Bottom Line

Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but it’s also treatable. If CPAP isn’t for you, a custom oral sleep appliance could be the simple, effective solution that helps you sleep better, breathe easier, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward healthier sleep.