In obstructive sleep apnea, something blocks the upper airway while you sleep. Breathing becomes shallow or stops for a moment, then restarts with a gasp or snort. It can happen many times a night without you knowing. Your partner may notice the snoring and pauses before you do.
Dentists are often the first to spot it, because sleep apnea leaves clues in the mouth and jaw. For suitable patients we make a custom oral appliance in our Glendale office. If you have been diagnosed and cannot tolerate CPAP, or you suspect a problem and want a starting point, call us.
Signs to Watch For
Snoring on its own is not always sleep apnea. The combination of heavy snoring with pauses or choking is what should prompt a conversation with your doctor.
- Loud, steady snoring with gasps, choking or pauses
- Waking unrefreshed or with a sore throat
- Daytime sleepiness
- Restless sleep or waking often at night
- High blood pressure or acid reflux
- Teeth grinding, worn teeth or receding gums
- In children: bedwetting, drooling, night sweats, trouble at school
Why Your Dentist Notices First
Blocked airways are often caused by relaxed throat muscles, a large tongue or a small jaw. Grinding your teeth at night can be an early sign, and we see the results at your checkup: worn enamel, inflamed gums and recession. If we see that pattern, we will ask about your sleep.
How an Oral Appliance Works
The appliance is a custom-fitted mouthpiece worn only while you sleep to help keep the airway open. It is made from impressions of your teeth, fitted in the office and adjusted over a few visits until it is comfortable and effective. It needs no electricity, so it is easy to travel with. For more severe cases, a CPAP machine or surgery may still be needed; your physician guides that decision.
Working With Your Physician
Sleep apnea is a medical condition, so diagnosis comes from a sleep study ordered by your doctor. We work alongside your physician: they confirm the diagnosis and severity, we make and adjust the appliance, and a follow-up sleep test may be used to confirm it is working. If you have not been tested yet, we will help you take that first step.
Why It Matters
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease, and repeated night waking puts stress on the whole body. It cannot be cured, but it can be managed, and the goal is simple: quieter nights and better days.
What to Expect
- 1Tell us your symptoms
At your checkup or a dedicated visit, we review your signs and look for wear from grinding.
- 2Diagnosis
If you have not had a sleep study, we coordinate with your physician to arrange one.
- 3Impressions and fitting
We take impressions, have your custom appliance made and fit it in the office.
- 4Adjust and follow up
Small adjustments over a few visits, and a follow-up sleep test if your doctor recommends one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an oral appliance as good as CPAP?
For many patients, especially those who cannot tolerate CPAP, an oral appliance is an effective option. More severe cases may still need CPAP or surgery. Your physician and our team decide together.
Can I travel with it?
Yes. It fits in a small case and needs no power, which is one of the main reasons patients prefer it on trips. If you also use CPAP, bring both on longer trips.
Does it hurt to wear?
It should not. A new appliance can feel odd for the first few nights, and we adjust it until it is comfortable. Tell us about any soreness so we can fine-tune it.
Can sleep apnea be cured?
No, but the symptoms can be managed. Consistent use of your appliance, along with whatever your doctor recommends, keeps the airway open night after night.
Do children get sleep apnea?
Yes. Signs in children include bedwetting, choking or drooling in sleep, night sweating and problems at school. Mention these at your child's checkup and we will advise on the next step.
Sleep quieter, wake up rested
Call (623) 400-6009 to ask about oral appliance therapy.
