Sleep Apnea Treatment in Greenville & Landrum, SC

Dentists can play an important role in treating obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. If an oral appliance is appropriate for your condition, a dentist can evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw; create a custom appliance; adjust its fit; and monitor your oral health throughout treatment. Diagnosis and overall management of sleep apnea should involve an appropriate medical provider or sleep specialist.

A sleep apnea oral appliance is worn while you sleep and is designed to help maintain an open airway. Many appliances work by gently repositioning and stabilizing the lower jaw and related tissues to reduce airway obstruction.

No. While they may look somewhat similar, a custom sleep apnea appliance is designed specifically to help manage obstructive sleep apnea. It is fitted to your teeth and bite and positions your jaw or oral structures in a way that helps keep your airway open while you sleep.

For some patients, yes. Oral appliance therapy may be recommended for certain patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. However, CPAP remains an important treatment for sleep apnea, and the right option depends on your diagnosis and individual needs. Don't discontinue CPAP without consulting the healthcare provider managing your sleep apnea.

Oral appliances may reduce snoring in some patients by helping maintain an open airway during sleep. However, frequent or loud snoring can also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. If you regularly snore, especially if your partner notices pauses in your breathing, it's important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional rather than treating snoring on your own.

Common warning signs include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, waking up gasping for air, morning headaches, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, and excessive daytime fatigue. A medical evaluation and sleep testing may be necessary to determine whether you have sleep apnea.

Oral appliances are commonly considered for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for some patients who cannot comfortably or consistently use CPAP. Your diagnosis, oral health, teeth, jaw, bite, and other factors can all affect whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate.

A store-bought mouthguard isn't the same as a custom oral appliance designed for obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea appliances should be properly selected and fitted based on your individual oral anatomy and treatment needs, with ongoing follow-up to evaluate fit, effectiveness, and potential dental changes.

Because the appliance is custom-made for your mouth, most patients can adjust to wearing it while sleeping. Some people may initially experience temporary jaw discomfort, increased saliva, dry mouth, or bite changes. Follow-up visits allow your dentist to evaluate the appliance and make adjustments when necessary.

A sleep study may be used by a physician or sleep specialist to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and determine its severity. If you haven't already been diagnosed but are experiencing symptoms, your healthcare providers can help determine the appropriate next steps before beginning treatment.

The lifespan of an oral appliance varies based on the type of device, how frequently it is worn, teeth grinding, oral changes, and how well it is maintained. Regular dental follow-ups allow your dentist to check the appliance for wear, evaluate its fit, and determine when replacement may be needed.

Yes. One advantage of oral appliance therapy is portability. The appliance is small and doesn't require electricity, tubing, or a machine, making it convenient for travel.