Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds to minutes and may occur hundreds of times a night. Symptoms often include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. The two main types are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common form that occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep, and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), which happens when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles controlling breathing.

Risk factors for apnea include male gender, obesity, age over 40, large neck circumference, nasal congestion, allergies, and a family history of the condition. Untreated apnea can result in serious complications such as high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, and diminished quality of life.

A sleep apnea oral appliance is a mouthpiece that fits in your mouth like a custom orthodontic retainer. Our device fits into your mouth using two pieces that fit over your upper and lower teeth. Hinges connect the two pieces. The mouthpiece supports your jaw in a position that keeps your upper airway open and soft tissues out of your airway.

Because of this design and positioning, snoring and the effects of obstructive sleep apnea are often reduced. The pictures below show how you can open (left) and close (right) your mouth while wearing the sleep apnea appliance, unlike other devices that may lock your jaw in one position.

We start the process of fitting you with a sleep apnea oral appliance with a sleep apnea risk assessment. If you appear to be at risk for sleep apnea, we will recommend a sleep study from a sleep specialist to evaluate your signs and symptoms.

If we determine the device may help, we can begin making a customized, FDA-approved sleep apnea appliance for you. First, we will take a look at your teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway, and possibly take X-rays of your mouth.

Then, we will make digital models of your teeth and send them to a lab that makes sleep apnea appliances. Finally, when it’s ready, you will come back to our office for fitting, wearing, and cleaning instructions.

CPAP therapy is widely recognized as the gold standard for treating sleep apnea, but many patients struggle with consistent use. Statistics show that CPAP compliance ranges from 30% to 60%, with adherence often defined as using the device for at least 4 hours a night, 70% of the time. However, studies reveal that up to 83% of patients may not meet this standard. For those who find CPAP challenging, Dr. Adam Hubert offers a custom-fit sleep apnea oral appliance as an alternative. Under the guidance of a sleep physician, this appliance can provide effective relief for patients who have difficulty with CPAP compliance.