Oral Appliance Therapy
At Prairie Sleep Center, our primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a custom-fabricated oral appliance. This small, comfortable device gently repositions your lower jaw forward while you sleep, helping keep the airway open and preventing the nighttime pauses in breathing that cause snoring, choking sensations, and disrupted sleep.
Each appliance is made just for you, similar to a sports mouthguard, and is designed for long-term comfort, easy nightly use, and simple travel. For many patients, oral appliance therapy is an effective alternative to CPAP, especially for those who cannot tolerate CPAP pressure or equipment.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends custom oral appliances made by trained dentists for patients with snoring or sleep apnea who prefer them over CPAP or who are unable to use CPAP consistently.
Oral Appliance Therapy May Be a Good Option For:
- People with primary snoring
- People with mild to moderate sleep apnea
- People with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate or refuse CPAP
- People who cannot tolerate high CPAP pressure
- People with healthy, disease-free teeth
- People who travel frequently and want a portable option
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy
- Comfortable and simple to wear
- Small, quiet, and discreet
- Easy to travel with
- Does not disturb bed partners
- No mask, tubing, or machine required
- Treatment can be paused or discontinued at any time
- Often covered by medical insurance and Medicare
Am I a Candidate for an Oral Appliance?
Most adults are excellent candidates for a custom oral appliance. During your visit, we will evaluate your airway using Eccovision acoustic imaging and may also send you home with a portable sleep apnea monitor such as WatchPAT One to assess your sleep patterns. Once the results are reviewed, the doctor will discuss your diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.
Not All Oral Appliances Are the Same
We use FDA-cleared, medically proven oral appliances designed specifically for the management of obstructive sleep apnea. Our imaging technology helps ensure your jaw is positioned precisely for optimal airway opening and treatment success. Over-the-counter kits and generic, non-custom devices may claim to help with snoring but are often bulky, uncomfortable, and far less effective than the appliances we provide.