Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances in New York, NY
Oral appliance therapy is a dental option for some adults with diagnosed sleep apnea, using a custom mouthpiece worn at night to help keep the airway open.
About Sleep Apnea at Rock Dental
People who have sleep apnea never get the rest that they deserve. They have trouble breathing which constantly wakes them up throughout the night. Many people who have sleep apnea have multiple health problems. They are always exhausted. Being tired can affect people at home and at work. They may be miserable and have trouble concentrating. Sleep apnea can also affect their blood pressure, making them more likely to have strokes. There is a big risk with anesthesia since they have trouble breathing.
Why Treating Sleep Apnea Takes a Team
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep and narrow or block the airway. Breathing pauses, the brain briefly wakes the body to restart it, and the cycle can repeat many times a night. Loud snoring, gasping, morning headaches and daytime sleepiness are common signs. Only a physician or sleep specialist can diagnose the condition, usually with a sleep study done at home or in a sleep lab.
Once you have a diagnosis, your physician will recommend treatment based on how severe it is. For some people, that includes an oral appliance made by a dentist. The appliance gently holds the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open while you sleep. Dr. Nancy Coughlin's practice includes sleep apnea management with dental appliances when indicated. Our team works alongside your medical provider, so the plan fits your overall care.
What to Expect With Oral Appliance Therapy
Your first visit is a conversation and an exam. Bring any sleep study results or notes from your physician if you have them. If you have not been tested yet, we will advise you to see a physician or sleep specialist first. Your dentist will check your teeth, gums and jaw joints to see whether an appliance is a suitable option. If it is, impressions or scans of your teeth are taken so the appliance can be custom made.
At the fitting visit, your dentist adjusts the appliance and shows you how to wear and clean it. It is common to notice extra saliva, mild tooth tenderness or jaw stiffness in the morning during the first weeks, and this typically eases. Small adjustments are often made over time. Your physician may order a follow-up sleep test to confirm the appliance is working. Regular dental checkups help us watch your bite, your comfort and the fit.
Common Questions
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
Is an oral appliance an alternative to CPAP?
What does a sleep apnea mouthpiece feel like?
I snore loudly. Do I have sleep apnea?
How much does a sleep apnea appliance cost?
Terms You May Hear
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- A condition in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, interrupting breathing.
- Oral appliance
- A custom mouthpiece worn at night that positions the lower jaw to help keep the airway open.
- Sleep study
- An overnight test ordered by a physician that measures breathing, oxygen levels and sleep patterns.
Related Services
Night Guards
A night guard is a fitted appliance worn during sleep that cushions your teeth against grinding and clenching, protecting enamel and easing strain on your jaw.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ treatment aims to ease jaw pain, clicking, headaches and difficulty chewing by finding what is straining your jaw joint and treating it, usually with conservative care first.
Cleanings and Exams
A routine dental cleaning and exam removes plaque and tartar and checks your teeth and gums, helping adults catch small problems before they grow.
Invisalign
Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of clear, removable aligners, an option for adults with mild crowding or spacing who prefer to avoid braces.
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