Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea & snoring
Looking for an effective alternative to traditional sleep apnea treatments? Oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, proven option with higher long-term compliance[1,2] than traditional treatments. Learn more about how the therapy helps improve symptoms, sleep quality, and overall health.
About the therapy
What is obstructive sleep apnea? An overview and common symptoms
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Frequent nighttime awakenings
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
About the therapy
The importance of treating obstructive sleep apnea
About the therapy
Oral appliance therapy: An effective and lifestyle-friendly treatment
About the therapy
The benefits of oral appliance therapy to treat snoring and sleep apnea
Oral appliances are a non-invasive treatment option that many patients find easier to use than CPAP. They’re custom-fit, quiet, portable, and have high long-term compliance rates — helping patients stick with treatment and achieve better sleep and overall health.
Patients like oral appliance therapy because it:
- Is only worn during sleep
- Is easy to travel with
- Is noise-free
- Is easy to maintain
- Is comfortable!
About the therapy
Over-the-counter dental devices vs. oral appliance therapy: What’s the difference?
Over-the-counter or mail-in devices may seem like an easy, lower-cost option, but they aren’t tailored to your unique needs and don’t ensure proper clinical oversight. Without a professional evaluation or ongoing adjustments, they may be less effective, uncomfortable, and may even lead to unintended changes in your bite or oral health over time.
Frequently asked questions
While it may seem convenient to receive an oral appliance to treat your snoring or sleep apnea without a visit to a dentist, the AADSM recommends that you don’t skip the in-office portion of your oral appliance therapy treatment journey. In fact, visiting an AADSM Qualified Dentist will ensure you have a dedicated partner in your treatment journey and achieve lasting symptom relief.
It is possible to get an oral appliance for OSA or snoring without going into a dental office. However, there are both health and financial risks associated with ill-fitting oral appliances.
The dentist’s in-person exam appointment is essential to making an oral appliance that fits you correctly and comfortably. Dentists are experts in caring for your teeth, gums and jaws.
When an in-person evaluation of your teeth is not completed and mail-in bite impressions are used, your appliance may not fit properly. An appliance that fits poorly may not work effectively to treat your snoring or sleep apnea. A poorly-fit device can also be uncomfortable to wear, damage your teeth, or create complications with existing dental work.
At an in-person appointment with AADSM Qualified Dentist, you will meet the provider who will guide you through your treatment journey.
The dentist will:
- Examine your teeth, gums, jaw muscles, and joints.
- Take X-rays if necessary.
- Take impressions of your teeth – this involves making a mold of your teeth that is used to create your custom appliance. The dentist may use either a digital scanning device or make the impressions using dental putty.
- Take a bite registration – this is a personalized measurement that helps the dentist find the best starting point for your appliance.
AADSM Qualified Dentists are licensed dentists who have additional training to properly customize and fit your oral appliance for best results. They can help you avoid or treat any side effects, make sure your appliance is comfortable, and work with your doctor to make sure your OSA or snoring treatment is successful. Your AADSM Qualified Dentist can provide follow-up care for as long as you use your oral appliance, ensuring you get the benefits of refreshing sleep for years to come.
Even if your AADSM Qualified Dentist may complete some appointments virtually, a direct, in-person examination, impressions, and the bite registration should be completed by a trained dental professional, an AADSM Qualified Dentist, prior to your appliance being made.
Be cautious if a provider asks you to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) as part of treatment. NDAs are not commonly required for oral appliance therapy, so it is worth thinking about more closely if a provider asks you to sign one.
Explore what patients and AADSM Qualified Dentists have to say
¹Vanderveken OM, Dieltjens M, Wouters K, De Backer WA, Van De Heyning PH, Braem MJ. Objective measurement of compliance during oral appliance therapy for sleep-disordered breathing. Thorax. 2013;68(1):91-96. doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-201900
Dentists who provide snoring and sleep apnea solutions
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) is the only national non-profit professional society dedicated exclusively to the practice of dental sleep medicine. The AADSM represents thousands of dentists across the U.S. who are specially trained to provide snoring and sleep apnea solutions.
