Treatments

Oral Appliance Therapy

A small, custom-made dental device — worn only at night — that gently holds your jaw forward to keep your airway open. No machine, no mask, no hose. Just quieter nights and better sleep.

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SPMedically reviewed by Sarah Patel, MD · Board-certified, fellowship-trained in Sleep Medicine

Ready to sleep better?

New patients seen in-office or by telehealth, usually within the week.

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Most insurance accepted · (602) 206-6262

What is oral appliance therapy?

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device that looks a lot like a sports mouthguard or a retainer. You wear it only while you sleep. It gently repositions your lower jaw and tongue slightly forward, which opens up the space at the back of your throat so your airway stays clear through the night.

Because it's designed by a sleep physician and made just for your mouth, it's comfortable, quiet, and easy to travel with — no electricity, no hoses, and nothing to plug in. Sleep-medicine guidelines recognize a custom oral appliance as a first-line alternative to CPAP for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and as the main option for people who can't tolerate CPAP.

How it works

Keeps the airway open

By holding your lower jaw in a slightly forward position, the device stops the soft tissue at the back of your throat from collapsing and blocking airflow while you sleep.

Quiets the snoring

Snoring happens when relaxed throat tissue vibrates. With a clearer airway, that vibration eases — so both you and your partner rest better.

Who it's for

Oral appliance therapy isn't right for everyone, but it's an excellent option for many patients. It's often recommended for people who:

1 Have mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea
2 Snore heavily without full-blown apnea
3 Have tried CPAP but find it hard to tolerate
4 Travel frequently and need portability
5 Prefer a treatment with no mask or noise
6 Want a low-profile, discreet option

A proper diagnosis comes first. If you haven't been tested yet, we'll start with a sleep study — often an easy take-home test — so your physician can confirm this is the right path. Severe apnea is usually treated with CPAP or other options instead.

What to expect

Getting fitted is straightforward, and we stay with you until the device is working well.

EvaluationYour sleep physician confirms your diagnosis and decides whether an oral appliance is a good match for your airway and goals.

Custom fittingWe take a precise digital scan or impression of your teeth so the device is built to fit your mouth exactly — not a one-size-fits-all product.

Delivery & adjustmentsWhen your appliance arrives, we fine-tune the fit. Most devices can be adjusted in small steps to find the setting that works best for you.

Follow-up & checkWe follow up to make sure your sleep has improved — sometimes with a repeat sleep test — and keep the device dialed in over time.

A short adjustment period is normal. Some people notice a little jaw tightness or extra saliva in the first week or two; this usually settles quickly. We're here to troubleshoot anything that comes up.

Benefits & trade-offs

Why patients love it

Quiet and mask-free · easy to pack for travel · nothing to plug in · simple to clean · comfortable once adjusted · easy to actually stick with.

Things to know

Best for mild-to-moderate apnea and snoring · needs a custom fit · may cause mild early jaw or bite changes · not a substitute for CPAP in severe cases.

Why treatment matters

Treating apnea protects far more than your sleep

Whether you use an oral appliance or another therapy, treating obstructive sleep apnea is worth it. Left untreated, it strains your heart and quietly raises long-term health risks — which is exactly why finding a treatment you'll actually use is so important.

HeartLowers strain linked to high blood pressure

FocusSharper days with less brain fog

EnergyDeeper, more restful sleep

SaferLess drowsy-driving risk

Compare your options

Not sure which treatment fits?

The right choice depends on the type and severity of your apnea — and on your life. We'll walk you through all of them.

CPAP therapy

The gold standard for moderate-to-severe apnea. We focus on comfort so you'll actually stick with it.

Learn more → CPAP-free

Inspire™ implant

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for qualifying patients who can't tolerate CPAP — no mask, no hose.

See if you qualify →

Sleep apnea

Symptoms, testing, and the full picture on how we diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Learn more →

Oral appliance FAQs

Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?

For many people with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, a well-fitted oral appliance works very well — and because it's easy to use, patients often wear it more consistently. CPAP remains the most effective option for severe apnea. Your physician will recommend the best fit based on your sleep study and your goals.

Will it hurt or feel uncomfortable?

Because it's custom-made for your mouth, it's designed to feel snug but comfortable. A short break-in period is normal — some people notice mild jaw tightness or extra saliva for a week or two — but this usually fades quickly, and we adjust the device until it feels right.

Can I get one from a regular dentist or online?

Over-the-counter mouthguards aren't the same thing and aren't recommended for treating sleep apnea. A medical-grade oral appliance should be prescribed and managed by a sleep physician after a proper diagnosis, then custom-fitted and followed up over time. That's exactly what we provide.

Does insurance cover oral appliance therapy?

Many major Arizona plans and Medicare cover oral appliance therapy when it's medically indicated for sleep apnea. We'll verify your specific benefits before your visit so there are no surprises. Visit our insurance page or call the office at (602) 206-6262 to check your plan.

How do I care for the device?

It's simple — you clean it each morning much like a retainer, let it dry, and store it in its case. We'll show you exactly how and check on the fit at follow-up visits so it keeps working well for years.

How soon can I be seen?

New patients are typically seen within the week, in person in Glendale or by telehealth anywhere in Arizona.

Sleep well. Be well.

Curious if an oral appliance is right for you?

Take the 2-minute assessment, or book directly with a sleep specialist.

Book an appointment Call (602) 206-6262