Oral Appliance Therapy

Treat Sleep Apnea, Support Better Sleep

At Redwood Dental, your happy, healthy smile is our priority. In fact, at the center of everything we do is a desire to help our patients understand the connection between oral health and overall health. Many people are unaware that oral health, for better or worse, can affect their health.

If you frequently wake up feeling tired, experience daytime fatigue, or have been told you snore loudly, it may be worth exploring whether sleep apnea could be affecting your rest.

At Redwood Dental, with locations across Michigan, we focus on providing oral appliance therapy for patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Keep in mind, a physician must diagnose sleep apnea. Dental appliances are an alternative treatment option; however, any treatment option should be approved by your physician.

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Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that affects breathing during sleep. It occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked, often due to relaxed muscles in the throat. These interruptions can happen multiple times throughout the night and may disrupt normal sleep patterns.

Research from the National Institutes of Health and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine shows that untreated sleep apnea may be associated with broader health concerns, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and difficulty with concentration and memory. Again, only a doctor can diagnose sleep apnea, and any treatments should be evaluated and approved by your physician.

Signs You May Need an Evaluation

Because sleep apnea occurs during sleep, many people are unaware of it. You may consider speaking with a healthcare provider if you notice:

  • Loud or persistent snoring
  • Pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking during sleep
  • Waking up feeling unrefreshed
  • Daytime fatigue or trouble focusing
  • Morning headaches
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

A partner or family member may also notice these symptoms.

Diagnosis Comes First

Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, typically through a sleep study conducted at home or in a clinical setting. This evaluation helps determine the presence and severity of the condition.

Once diagnosed, your physician will recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include oral appliance therapy. Speaking with your Redwood Dental team is a great way to kickstart the conversation about alternative options for treatment, including oral appliance therapy.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a treatment option for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea. It involves wearing a custom-made device during sleep that gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open.

The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine recognizes oral appliance therapy as an option for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, or for those who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy.

At Redwood Dental locations throughout Michigan, oral appliance therapy is individually designed and customized for patients. After diagnosis and discussion with your physician, speak with our team about your options.

What to Expect from Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is designed to be simple and comfortable to incorporate into your nightly routine. Depending on your individual needs, this therapy may offer:

  • A non-surgical approach to managing sleep apnea
  • A custom-fit device tailored to your bite
  • A compact and travel-friendly option
  • Quiet use during sleep

Because every patient responds differently, follow-up care is an important part of ensuring the appliance fits well and functions as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is everyone a candidate for oral appliance therapy?

Oral appliance therapy may be recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for those who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. A physician will determine if it is appropriate for you.

Do I need a sleep study first?

Yes. A formal diagnosis from a physician is required before beginning oral appliance therapy.

Is oral appliance therapy comfortable?

Most patients adjust well to a custom-fitted appliance, especially with proper follow-up and adjustments as needed.

Will oral appliance therapy completely eliminate sleep apnea?

Results vary by patient. Ongoing evaluation with your healthcare provider is important to assess effectiveness.

A Collaborative Approach to Care

Oral appliance therapy is one part of a broader medical approach to treating sleep apnea. At Redwood Dental, we encourage our patients to work closely with their physicians or sleep specialists to ensure all care is coordinated and appropriate for the individual’s diagnosis.

If you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are exploring alternatives to CPAP, or if you have concerns about your sleep, our team can help guide you through the next steps.

More Family Dentistry Services

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

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