How Sleep Apnea Appliances Work as an Alternative to Surgery

A sleep apnea appliance works by gently holding your lower jaw in a forward position while you sleep, which may help keep your airway open without surgery, a mask, or a machine. For many people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, that change may lead to quieter nights and more restful mornings.

At BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics, we offer custom oral appliance therapy as part of our sleep apnea treatment in Boulder. Dr. Marisa Patt and our team can evaluate your symptoms, explain your options, and help you decide whether an appliance may be a good fit for you.

How an Oral Appliance Keeps Your Airway Open

Sleep apnea causes your breathing to stop and start throughout the night, which can leave you tired even after a full night in bed. An oral appliance gives you a non-surgical way to help keep your airway open. Better sleep may also help you feel more alert and focused during the day.

Relaxed Muscles and a Narrow Airway

With obstructive sleep apnea, relaxed throat muscles can block the flow of air into your lungs. This is the most common form of sleep apnea.

Gentle Jaw Support

A custom oral appliance gently repositions your lower jaw while you sleep, which may keep your airway open. Because each appliance is custom made for your mouth, it is designed to fit comfortably. It is also non-invasive, portable, and easy to use at home or on the road.

Signs Worth Mentioning

Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air, breathing pauses, and daytime sleepiness. If these sound familiar, mention them to your medical provider and to us, so we can talk through your treatment options together.

Where Surgery Fits Into the Picture

Surgery is one way to treat sleep apnea, and it may be the right choice for some people. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, surgical options include nerve stimulation, tonsil removal, and jaw advancement, while providers may prescribe an oral device if you do not want to use or cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.

An appliance does not replace every surgical option, and it may not suit every patient. We begin with an evaluation, and if another treatment makes more sense for you, we can talk through that with you and your medical providers. Our goal is a treatment plan tailored to your health needs.

Who May Benefit From an Oral Appliance

An oral appliance may be a good option for several kinds of patients, and your evaluation helps us find the right match.

• Mild to moderate sleep apnea: Our team may recommend an appliance when your symptoms fall in this range.
• Trouble with CPAP: If you struggle to use your machine every night, an appliance may offer another option.
• Interest in avoiding surgery: An appliance is non-invasive, so it may be a first step if you want to explore treatment without an operation.
• Frequent travel: A portable appliance is easy to pack for trips.

During your visit, we evaluate your condition before we recommend any treatment, so you always know why we suggest a specific option.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your first visit gives us time to listen to your concerns, review your symptoms, and answer your questions. We explain what we find and which options may fit your goals. We also use advanced technology in our office to make each visit more precise and less stressful, which can help if dental care makes you nervous. Ask us anything about comfort, daily use, or how an appliance compares with CPAP.

If an appliance is a good fit, we provide a custom appliance made for your mouth. Tell us about any jaw soreness or clicking, too. In addition, we offer TMJ disorder treatment, so we can look at your bite and jaw comfort together.

Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation at BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics

If sleep apnea is keeping you from rest, an oral appliance may be a non-surgical option worth discussing. Dr. Marisa Patt is a board-certified prosthodontist with more than a decade of advanced dental experience, and she completed her prosthodontic residency after earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She is known for her gentle approach and high standards.

We participate with medical insurance for sleep apnea services, and our team can explain what that may mean for you. From your first consultation to your final results, we focus on care that is comprehensive and compassionate. If you are ready to explore a non-surgical option for better sleep, contact our Boulder office to schedule your consultation.