Why Choose a Custom-Fitted Oral Appliance?

When it comes to treating sleep apnea, the best appliance is one you'll actually use. Comfort is paramount, because even the most advanced device won't help if it sits on your nightstand. Here's why custom-fitted oral appliances stand out:



• Personalized Comfort: Each appliance is custom-made based on precise measurements of your mouth. This ensures a snug, comfortable fit that minimizes irritation and maximizes your ability to wear it consistently. We understand that getting used to a new device takes time, and we'll work with you to ensure it feels right.
• Targeted Effectiveness: Our appliances are designed to address your specific needs. While the goal is always to keep your lower jaw from falling backward and to create more space in your airway, there are different ways to achieve this. We select from various FDA-approved designs, each with unique features, to find the one that will be most effective for you.
• Discreet and Portable: Oral appliances are small and easy to travel with, making them a convenient alternative to bulkier machines. They operate silently, which is a significant benefit for both you and your bed partner.
• A Gentle Approach: Many people worry that moving their jaw forward might cause discomfort or jaw joint issues. Our approach focuses on finding a "comfortably protruded" position for your jaw, which means we aim to achieve airway opening without pushing your jaw too far forward. This careful calibration helps prevent jaw pain and ensures long-term comfort.

The Custom Fitting Process

Designed for Your Success

1. Initial Assessment and Impressions: After a thorough comprehensive sleep exam and evaluation, we'll take highly accurate impressions of your teeth and mouth. These are used to create a detailed model that guides the fabrication of your appliance.

      2. Appliance Fabrication: Your impressions are sent to a specialized dental             lab where skilled technicians craft your unique oral appliance. These are               not generic, boil-and-bite devices; they are one-of-a-kind, designed

         specifically for you.

     3 . First Fitting and Adjustments: When your appliance is ready, you'll return                 for a fitting appointment. We'll ensure it fits securely and comfortably.                   We'll check for any rough spots or areas that feel too tight, making                         immediate adjustments as needed. We encourage you to be a little                        "nitpicky" during this stage, because anything that feels off now will likely               feel much worse in the middle of the night.

   4. Getting Used to Your Appliance: It's normal for it to take a few weeks to fully                adjust to wearing your oral appliance every night. We'll provide clear                             instructions  on how to ease into using it. For example, we might suggest                     wearing it for an hour or so before bed while you read or watch TV. This helps             your mouth and brain get accustomed to the sensation. You might notice                     increased saliva production at first, but your body quickly learns it's not food,               and this subsides.

    5 .Ongoing Support and Refinement: Your journey to better sleep doesn't end after          the initial fitting. We'll schedule follow-up appointments to check on your                      progress and make any necessary adjustments. We'll ask about your snoring,              how you're feeling, and if you're experiencing any discomfort. Your feedback is            crucial for us to fine-tune the appliance's position, ensuring it effectively keeps            your airway open while maintaining comfort. If your snoring hasn't completely            resolved or you're still feeling tired, we can often advance the appliance slightly          to improve its effectiveness.

The Impact of Untreated Sleep Apnea

It's easy to dismiss snoring as a harmless annoyance, but it can be a significant indicator of a more serious condition: obstructive sleep apnea. This condition involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, which can have profound effects on your health.

Many people don't realize the wide-ranging impact of poor sleep. If you're constantly tired, struggling with concentration, or experiencing mood changes, it's possible that sleep apnea is the culprit. Your brain prioritizes breathing, and if your airway is obstructed, it will constantly rouse you from deep sleep to ensure you get enough air. This fragmented sleep can lead to a host of issues, including increased risk for untreated sleep apnea health risks like high blood pressure, heart problems, and even depression.

The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable, and when treated effectively, it's like the condition isn't there at all. Our goal is to help you achieve restorative sleep, so you wake up feeling refreshed and energized.