Sleep Appliance Therapy

Sleep Appliance Therapy When CPAP Is Not Working for You

CPAP is very effective when used consistently, but many people find the mask, pressure, or noise difficult to live with. If you are not wearing your CPAP most nights, it may not be giving you the results you need.

Custom oral appliance therapy provides a comfortable, travel friendly alternative. A small device that fits over your teeth can help keep your airway open so you snore less and breathe more easily during sleep.

Our goal is simple: better sleep and better days. If you are more willing to wear an appliance than a mask, it may be the option that works best for you in real life.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Works

A custom mandibular advancement device (MAD) gently brings the lower jaw forward while you sleep. This forward position:

• Increases space for the tongue
• Helps prevent the soft tissues from collapsing into the airway
• Supports a more open, stable airway during sleep

Modern appliances are thin, adjustable and designed for long term nightly use.

Benefits Patients Often Notice

• More comfortable and discreet than a mask
• Easier to pack and travel with
• Often better long term use for patients who struggled with CPAP
• Quieter bedroom and fewer disruptions for bed partners
• Less snoring, fewer awakenings and better daytime energy

Possible Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and improve with time and guidance. You may notice:

• Morning bite changes that resolve with simple exercises
• Mild jaw or tooth soreness while you adjust to the device
• Dry mouth or extra saliva in the beginning

Rarely, there can be longer term bite changes. Regular follow up visits help us monitor and minimize these risks.

Is a Sleep Appliance as Effective as CPAP?

CPAP usually produces the largest drop in apnea events in a perfect world where the mask is worn all night.

In the real world, the best treatment is the one you actually use. For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, a well fitted appliance that is worn consistently can provide meaningful improvement in snoring, sleep quality and overall health.

Current guidelines support oral appliance therapy as:

• A first line option for many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
• A reasonable option for patients with severe apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP, with medical supervision and follow up testing

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have been diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea
• You have severe sleep apnea but cannot tolerate CPAP
• You have primary snoring that affects your sleep or your partner
• Your teeth and gums are healthy enough to support a device
• You are motivated to wear and care for an appliance each night

Our Process at Smile.Li Dental

1. Collaboration with your sleep physician
   We review your sleep study and medical history. If you have not had a sleep study, we coordinate testing with a sleep physician first.
2. Airway and dental evaluation
   We examine your bite, jaw joints and muscles, tongue space and nasal airflow to confirm that a sleep appliance is appropriate.
3. Digital impressions
   We take precise digital scans to design a custom, adjustable appliance that fits your mouth.
4. Fitting and home instructions
   At delivery, we check the fit, show you how to insert and remove the device and review cleaning and comfort tips.
5. Titration and fine tuning
   Over several weeks, we make small adjustments to advance the jaw and improve snoring and symptoms.
6. Follow up sleep testing
   We coordinate a follow up home or lab sleep study to confirm that your appliance is working as intended.
7. Ongoing maintenance
   We schedule regular visits to monitor fit, wear, dental health and long term comfort.

Results You Can Expect

Many patients report:

• Softer or less frequent snoring
• Fewer awakenings during the night
• Better morning refreshment and focus
• Happier, better rested partners

Every patient is different. Some people do best with combination approaches such as nasal care, positional therapy, weight management or even a mix of CPAP and appliance use at lower pressures.

Insurance and Fees

• Appliances for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea are usually billed through medical insurance, not dental, when ordered with a sleep physician’s diagnosis and documentation.
• Snoring only devices are often paid out of pocket.

We will walk you through your options, provide estimates when possible and supply detailed receipts or superbills for your records.

Take the Next Step

If CPAP has not worked well for you, a custom sleep appliance may be a more comfortable solution that you will actually use.

Contact Smile.Li Dental to schedule a consultation. We will review your sleep history, evaluate your airway and help you decide if sleep appliance therapy is the right fit for your needs.

We are here to help you breathe easier, sleep better and wake up feeling more like yourself.

_{Medical disclaimer: This page is for education only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea requires a physician diagnosis and ongoing follow up. Individual results will vary.}