An oral appliance holds your lower jaw slightly forward
It is a custom mouthpiece worn at night. This page is for adults whose physician has recommended one for snoring or sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition, and a physician diagnoses it from a sleep test. An oral appliance is one of the options a physician may recommend, next to CPAP and surgery. The dentist's part is to make the appliance, fit it and watch what it does to your teeth and bite.
What happens
Usually three to five visits over a few months.
- 01
Step 1: Your physician's diagnosis
We ask for the diagnosis and the recommendation in writing, from you or from your physician's office.
- 02
Step 2: Exam and impressions
He checks teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints, takes X-rays only if needed, and takes impressions or a scan.
- 03
Step 3: Fitting
A lab makes the appliance. At the fitting you learn how to wear and clean it.
- 04
Step 4: Follow-up
We adjust it, check your bite and send your physician a note. They decide about a repeat sleep test.
If your teeth, gums or jaw joints aren't ready for an appliance, Dr. Nishimura tells you and says what comes first. Some people aren't candidates, and that is a normal answer.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
Impressions and the fitting need no numbing. Your jaw may be sore and your mouth dry or watery for the first weeks. Call us if it doesn't ease.
Other options
CPAP and surgery are the other main options, and a physician can talk through lifestyle changes too. We never ask you to stop a treatment your physician prescribed.
Risks and after-care
Jaw soreness, tooth tenderness and a bite that shifts over time can happen. We check your bite at every visit and tell you if we see a change.
How it's billed
Some medical plans pay toward an oral appliance when a physician has diagnosed sleep apnea, and some dental plans don't. Zaria checks before you start and gives you a written estimate.
How fees work
Questions about oral appliances
Will an appliance treat my sleep apnea?
Your physician measures that, with a repeat sleep test. We can tell you how the appliance fits, not whether your apnea has changed.
Can I just ask for one?
Not without your physician. We need the diagnosis first, because snoring can have causes that need medical care.
How long does one last?
It depends on how you use it and how your teeth change. We check it at each visit and tell you when it needs replacing.
Can I wear it with my CPAP?
Ask your physician. Some people use both. We don't change how you use your CPAP.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Takashi Nishimura, DMD, general dentist, licensed in Washington.