Better Sleep Starts with a Custom Oral Appliance
Do you spend more time tossing and turning at night than sleeping soundly? Loud snoring, restless nights and constant daytime fatigue can all be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that often goes undiagnosed. Many people who have it don’t realize it.
Sleep apnea causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep when the soft tissues of the airway collapse and block airflow. These interruptions disrupt the sleep cycle and affect energy, focus and long-term health. At Gilreath Family Dentistry, our doctors provide oral appliance therapy, a comfortable, custom-made treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. It helps patients throughout Marietta and Cobb County sleep better and feel more like themselves every day.
Book an Oral Appliance ConsultationWhat Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep. The obstruction may be caused by:
- The tongue falling back into the airway
- Excess tissue in the throat
- A blocked or congested nose
- Enlarged tonsils
- The uvula, the small tissue at the back of the throat
- Excess body weight around the neck
When breathing stops, oxygen levels drop and the brain briefly wakes the body to resume breathing. This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night, leaving patients exhausted even after a full night in bed.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Treats Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea caused by repeated airway blockage. A custom-made oral appliance, similar to a mouthguard or retainer, is worn only during sleep and helps keep the airway open.
Gilreath Family Dentistry offers different types of appliances depending on the cause of the obstruction:
- Mandibular Advancement Devices – When jaw position contributes to the airway blockage, a custom device gently repositions the lower jaw forward during sleep to keep the airway clear.
- Tongue-Retaining Devices – When the tongue is the source of the obstruction, a tongue-retaining device holds the tongue in place to prevent it from blocking the airway.
All of these appliances are removable and worn only while sleeping.
Who Is a Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy may be a good fit for patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Snore loudly and regularly
- Find a CPAP mask uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently
- Want a comfortable, portable treatment option
- Have healthy teeth and gums to support an appliance
Oral appliances are generally not the right choice for patients with severe sleep apnea. For those patients, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the preferred treatment. Patients who struggle with CPAP should speak with their primary care physician or a sleep specialist about alternative options.
Your Path to a Better Night’s Sleep
Getting started with oral appliance therapy at Gilreath Family Dentistry is simple:
Sleep Evaluation with a Physician
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, typically through a sleep study. Patients who suspect sleep apnea should start by talking with their primary care doctor.
Dental Consultation
Our doctors review the diagnosis, examine the teeth, jaw and bite, and discuss whether oral appliance therapy is an appropriate option.
Digital Scan
A quick, comfortable digital scan captures a precise model of the teeth, with no messy impressions.
Custom Appliance Design
A custom oral appliance is created to fit comfortably and position the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open.
Fitting and Adjustment
The patient receives the appliance and our doctors confirm the fit and comfort, making adjustments as needed.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Follow-up visits help ensure the appliance continues to work effectively. Our doctors coordinate with the patient’s physician as needed.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea symptoms appear both at night and during the day. Common signs include:
Nighttime Symptoms
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Restless, interrupted sleep
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Frequent trips to the bathroom at night
- A partner noticing pauses in breathing
Daytime Symptoms
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Poor concentration and memory
- Irritability or mood changes
- Early morning headaches
- Falling asleep during routine activities
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should talk with their primary care physician about a sleep evaluation. Patients can also ask our doctors whether oral appliance therapy may be an option for them.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
- Comfortable and easy to wear: Custom-fit appliances are designed for overnight comfort.
- Quiet and discreet: No masks, hoses or machine noise.
- Reduces snoring: Many patients and their partners enjoy quieter, more restful nights.
- Travel-friendly: Small, portable appliances fit easily into a travel bag.
- Non-invasive: No surgery is required.
- An alternative for CPAP-intolerant patients: A helpful option for some patients who struggle with CPAP, as determined with their physician.
Insurance and Payment Options for Oral Appliance Therapy
Coverage for oral appliance therapy varies by plan. Our team is happy to review each patient’s benefits and explain expected costs before treatment begins. Gilreath Family Dentistry also accepts HSA and FSA funds and offers financing through CareCredit, subject to approval.
Financial PolicyGet the Restful Sleep You Deserve
You deserve a restful night’s sleep, and our team is ready to help. Contact Gilreath Family Dentistry at 200 White St NW, Marietta, GA 30060 to schedule a consultation and learn whether oral appliance therapy is right for you.
Schedule an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
About Sleep Apnea Treatment
Yes. While sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, dentists can treat snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea with custom oral appliance therapy. At Gilreath Family Dentistry, our doctors design comfortable oral appliances that help keep the airway open during sleep.
Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-made device, similar to a mouthguard or retainer, that is worn during sleep. It works by repositioning the lower jaw or holding the tongue in place to keep the airway open. It is an effective treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance can be an effective and comfortable alternative to CPAP. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP generally remains the preferred treatment. Patients who struggle with CPAP should discuss alternatives with their physician or sleep specialist.
Yes. Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, usually through a sleep study. Once diagnosed, our doctors can evaluate whether oral appliance therapy is an appropriate treatment option.
Many patients find that a custom oral appliance significantly reduces or eliminates snoring by keeping the airway open during sleep. Because snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, patients who snore loudly should also talk with their physician about a sleep evaluation.
Yes. Our oral appliances are custom made from a precise digital scan of the teeth, so they fit comfortably and securely. Most patients adjust to wearing their appliance within a short period.
Common warning signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, pauses in breathing, frequent nighttime bathroom trips, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should speak with their physician.
Coverage varies depending on the patient’s plan. Gilreath Family Dentistry will review benefits and explain expected costs before treatment. HSA, FSA and CareCredit financing are also available.