Oral Appliance

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects up to 22% of adults in the U.S. OSA occurs when a person’s upper airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing them to breathe shallowly or stop breathing. People with OSA often wake up many times at night, feel tired during the day, and have an increased risk of health complications.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles around the upper airway relax and tissues in the throat or mouth collapse, blocking air flow. Oral appliances treat OSA by holding the mouth in a position that keeps the upper airway open while a person sleeps.

Many patients find oral appliances more comfortable compared to CPAP masks. These customizable devices are designed to fit your mouth precisely and are constructed from lightweight materials. Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist are necessary to ensure the optimal fit and effectiveness of the oral appliance.

Studies have shown that oral appliances can be an effective treatment option for some people with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Specifically, custom-fitted mandibular advancement devices may reduce snoring and the number of breathing disruptions a person with OSA has per night.

An oral appliance for sleep apnea is a custom-fitted device you wear in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance advances your lower jaw and holds your tongue in place to expand your airway, which improves airflow and reduces the vibrations that cause snoring. An oral appliance won't cure sleep apnea, but it will help you stop snoring as frequently and/or heavily.

You can clean your oral appliance by rinsing it in cool or warm water, then scrubbing it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Do not use boiling water or toothpaste – these can damage the device. You should clean the appliance every day to keep it hygienic and bacteria-free.

Yes, most insurance plans – as well as Medicare – cover oral appliances for sleep apnea. These devices are considered durable medical equipment, so your insurance provider will most likely cover all or most of the costs. That said, you should check with your provider to ensure the oral appliance is covered before making your purchase.

Oral appliances can be very effective at reducing how frequently or heavily you snore if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but these devices do not completely eliminate your OSA symptoms. In fact, there is no known cure for OSA – but continued use of an oral appliance and other treatment methods such as CPAP therapy can improve your breathing during sleep and overall sleep quality.

Oral appliances for sleep apnea can cost anywhere from less than $100 to more than $1,000. Generally speaking, you'll pay more for custom-fitted devices than you would for "boil-and-bite" mouthpieces you mold at home. The good news: if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, most insurance plans cover all or most of the up-front cost. If insurance won't cover your purchase, most sellers allow payments using FSA and HSA funds.

To adjust your oral appliance for sleep apnea, use the small screwdriver that comes with your device to move the lower tray forward or backward. You can adjust both sides, or just one if you have an uneven bite.