Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — a condition in which the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing breathing to stop for seconds to minutes — is a serious health condition linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and daytime impairment. Fort Worth Family and Implant Dentistry offers oral appliance therapy as a comfortable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
A custom-fitted oral appliance (similar to a mouthguard) gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue during sleep, keeping the airway open. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are silent, portable, and require no electricity. Many patients who struggle with CPAP find oral appliance therapy far easier to comply with — and compliance is the key to effective treatment.
Who Is a Candidate?
Oral appliance therapy is most effective for mild to moderate OSA and for patients who snore significantly. Patients with severe OSA may need a combination of CPAP and an appliance, or may require referral to a sleep specialist. Dr. Baker works collaboratively with sleep physicians and pulmonologists to ensure you receive comprehensive, coordinated care.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea
- Quiet, comfortable alternative to CPAP
- Custom-fitted for maximum effectiveness
- Portable — ideal for travel
- Reduces snoring and apnea events
- Improved sleep quality and daytime energy
- Coordinated care with your sleep physician
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance?
Yes — a sleep study (polysomnography) is required to diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity before treatment. We can coordinate with your physician or refer you to a sleep specialist.
Does insurance cover oral appliances for sleep apnea?
Many medical insurance plans (not just dental) cover oral appliance therapy when sleep apnea has been diagnosed by a sleep study. Call us at 817-924-0506 to discuss your coverage.