What Is Oral Appliance Therapy? A Guide to Sleep Apnea Treatment

Understanding Oral Appliance Therapy

If you or a loved one suffers from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or chronic snoring, you may have heard about oral appliance therapy as an effective alternative to CPAP machines. But what exactly is oral appliance therapy, and how does it work?

This article will explain the benefits, effectiveness, and types of oral appliances available for treating sleep apnea. If you’re ready to explore your options, call 410-832-5858 today for a consultation at the Dental Sleep Clinic in Timonium, MD.

1. What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a non-invasive treatment for sleep apnea that involves wearing a custom-fitted mouthpiece during sleep. These oral devices help to keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw and tongue, preventing airway collapse and reducing breathing interruptions.

How Does It Work?

• The oral appliance moves the lower jaw slightly forward, keeping the airway open.
• It prevents the tongue from blocking airflow.
• The device stabilizes the airway to reduce snoring and improve oxygen flow.

Oral appliances are comfortable, portable, and easy to use, making them a popular alternative to CPAP therapy.

Source: American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

2. Who Can Benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is ideal for people who: ✅ Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) ✅ Cannot tolerate CPAP therapy ✅ Snore loudly and frequently ✅ Travel frequently and need a portable sleep apnea treatment ✅ Prefer a non-invasive and comfortable solution

If you experience loud snoring, gasping for air, or excessive daytime sleepiness, oral appliance therapy may be the right solution. Call 410-832-5858 to schedule an evaluation.

3. Types of Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

There are different types of FDA-approved oral appliances, each designed to improve airway stability during sleep.

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

• The most common type of oral appliance
• Resembles a mouthguard and moves the jaw forward
• Prevents airway collapse by keeping soft tissues open

Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs)

• Holds the tongue in place to prevent airway obstruction
• Ideal for individuals with tongue-based obstructions
• Less commonly used than MADs

Each device is custom-fitted to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Call 410-832-5858 today to find the right appliance for your needs.

4. Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy offers several advantages over traditional CPAP therapy:

✅ Comfortable & Easy to Wear – No bulky masks or air pressure ✅ Portable & Travel-Friendly – Small enough to fit in your pocket ✅ Quiet Treatment – No noise compared to CPAP machines ✅ No Electricity Required – Convenient for all sleep settings ✅ Custom-Fitted for Maximum Effectiveness

How Effective Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Studies show that oral appliances are 90% effective in treating mild to moderate OSA and significantly reduce snoring.

If you’re looking for a comfortable CPAP alternative, contact our specialists at 410-832-5858 for an appointment.

Source: Sleep Foundation

5. What to Expect During Oral Appliance Therapy

Step 1: Consultation & Sleep Study

Your sleep specialist will evaluate your symptoms and may recommend a home sleep test or a polysomnography (overnight sleep study).

Step 2: Custom Fitting of the Oral Appliance

If oral appliance therapy is right for you, a custom mold of your teeth will be taken to create the perfect fit.

Step 3: Follow-Up Adjustments

After receiving your appliance, your dentist will make adjustments to ensure:

• Maximum comfort
• Proper jaw alignment
• Optimal airflow improvement

Follow-up visits help fine-tune your treatment for the best results.

Need an expert consultation? Call 410-832-5858 today!

6. Oral Appliance Therapy vs. CPAP: Which Is Right for You?

While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a highly effective treatment for severe sleep apnea, some patients find it uncomfortable. Here’s how oral appliances compare:

For mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances are an excellent alternative to CPAP. 

7. Is Oral Appliance Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Yes! Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. Our specialists can help you with the insurance approval process.

To find out if your insurance covers oral appliance therapy, call 410-832-5858 today.

Final Thoughts: Improve Your Sleep with Oral Appliance Therapy

If you suffer from snoring or sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, non-invasive, and highly effective solution.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep!

✅ No bulky CPAP mask ✅ Quiet and comfortable ✅ Custom-fitted for your needs

Don’t let sleep apnea affect your health and quality of life. Call 410-832-5858 today to schedule your consultation!