GENERAL DENTISTRY
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Dental evaluation and oral appliance options for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea or snoring.
Snoring and sleep apnea both affect how the airway behaves during sleep, though not every case calls for the same solution. A dental evaluation focuses specifically on whether an oral appliance is an appropriate part of your treatment.
a smile made for you.
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Sleep Apnea Treatment at Valencia Dental Office
Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical sleep disorder in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Some patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea may be candidates for a custom oral appliance that positions the lower jaw in a way that helps support the airway.
Oral appliance therapy works alongside — not in place of — an accurate medical diagnosis, which is why coordination with your physician is part of the process.
GETTING STARTED
From Diagnosis to a Custom Appliance
- Medical diagnosis firstSleep apnea is diagnosed by an appropriate medical provider, typically with a sleep study.
- Dental evaluationWe evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw joints and bite to determine if an oral appliance is suitable.
- Records and fabricationDigital scans or impressions are used to design and fabricate your custom appliance.
- Fit and follow-upWe monitor comfort, fit and dental changes over time as you adjust to nightly wear.
WHO COORDINATES YOUR CARE
A Team Approach
Oral appliance therapy is one part of a larger care team working from your medical diagnosis.
Your physician
Diagnoses the condition and determines the overall airway treatment plan.
Your dentist
Evaluates dental candidacy and designs, fits and monitors the oral appliance.
Ongoing follow-up
Both providers may stay involved to track how well the plan is working over time.
HOW A DENTAL APPLIANCE HELPS
Supporting the Airway During Sleep
- Custom fitThe appliance is designed from your own dental records so it fits securely and predictably.
- Jaw positioningIt holds the lower jaw in a position intended to help keep the airway more open during sleep.
- Comfort adjustmentsFit and jaw position can be fine-tuned over follow-up visits as you adjust to wearing it.
- Coordination with your physicianAppliance therapy is planned alongside your medical sleep diagnosis, not as a replacement for it.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
When to Schedule a Visit
Oral appliance therapy is not appropriate for every type or severity of sleep apnea. Candidacy depends on the medical diagnosis, airway treatment plan and dental factors such as tooth support and jaw health.
- You have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are exploring appliance options
- A physician has recommended you discuss oral appliance therapy with a dentist
- You experience snoring and want to understand whether a dental evaluation makes sense
- You currently use another therapy and want to discuss alternatives
LIVING WITH YOUR APPLIANCE
What Ongoing Care Looks Like
Like any dental appliance, yours should be cleaned regularly and brought to follow-up visits so fit and function can be checked.
Let us know about any changes in comfort, bite or jaw symptoms so we can adjust the appliance or coordinate with your physician as needed.
Sleep Apnea Treatment FAQ
- What does sleep apnea treatment involve?
- Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical sleep disorder in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Some patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea may be candidates for a custom oral appliance that positions the lower jaw in a way that helps support the airway.
- How do I know whether this treatment is appropriate for me?
- Oral appliance therapy is not appropriate for every type or severity of sleep apnea. Candidacy depends on the medical diagnosis, airway treatment plan and dental factors such as tooth support and jaw health.
- What should I expect from the treatment process?
- Sleep apnea should be diagnosed and managed in coordination with an appropriate medical provider. If oral appliance therapy is recommended, we evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw joints and bite, take records for a custom appliance and monitor comfort and dental changes over time.
- Do I need a sleep study before starting appliance therapy?
- Yes, oral appliance therapy is planned around a medical diagnosis, so a sleep study or evaluation from an appropriate provider comes first.
- Is an oral appliance a substitute for other sleep apnea treatments?
- Not necessarily — candidacy depends on the severity and type of sleep apnea, and your medical provider is involved in that determination.
- Will the appliance affect my bite over time?
- Dental changes are monitored at follow-up visits, which is part of why ongoing appliance therapy includes periodic dental checkups.
- Can children use oral appliances for sleep apnea?
- Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing is generally managed differently and evaluated by an appropriate specialist.
- What if the appliance is uncomfortable?
- Comfort issues are common early on and can often be addressed with adjustments — let us know so we can help.
