Oral Appliance Therapy

for Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Once your optimal breathing position is identified, you will be fitted with a custom oral appliance. While it may resemble an athletic mouthguard, it is far less bulky and designed for comfort and function during sleep.

Using advanced technology such as the Eccovision Acoustic Pharyngometer, your dentist can ensure precise placement of the appliance to maximize airway patency. The oral appliance gently holds your lower jaw in the ideal position to support proper airway function while you sleep. Most patients achieve successful results simply by wearing the appliance nightly.

Oral Appliances

Apex EMA oral appliance

Why Early Treatment Matters

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is more than just snoring or poor sleep—it has been linked to serious health conditions, including:

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Ischemic stroke

  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Depression and mood disorders

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Family and relationship strain

  • Increased risk of early mortality

Sleep is essential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Identifying and addressing sleep issues early can improve your quality of life and protect your long-term health.

How Healthy Is Your Sleep?

The following brief quiz, adapted from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, can help you evaluate whether your sleep may be affecting your health. If you answer “true” to more than two of these statements, we recommend discussing your results with your dentist, physician, or a sleep specialist. You may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy.

True / False:

  • I feel sleepy during the day, even after a full night’s sleep.

  • I get irritable when I can’t sleep.

  • I frequently wake up at night and struggle to fall back asleep.

  • It usually takes me a long time to fall asleep.

  • I often wake up very early and can’t go back to sleep.

  • I usually feel achy or stiff when I wake up.

  • I seem to wake up frequently because of vivid dreams.

  • I sometimes wake up gasping for air.

  • My bed partner says my snoring disrupts their sleep.

  • I’ve fallen asleep while driving.