Being diagnosed with sleep apnea can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with the idea of using a CPAP machine every night. For many patients, the bulk, noise, and discomfort of CPAP therapy are major barriers to consistent use—and that’s a problem, because untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences.
Fortunately, CPAP is not your only option. Oral appliance therapy has become one of the most effective and patient-friendly treatments for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and it’s changing lives for people who want a quieter, more comfortable solution. At Nevada Dental Sleep, Dr. Jerry Hu specializes in dental sleep medicine and offers custom oral appliances as a proven alternative to CPAP therapy.
If you’re wondering what this therapy involves, how it works, and whether it’s the right fit for you, this article will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive, custom treatment that involves wearing a mouthpiece during sleep to keep your airway open. These appliances look similar to a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer, but they are specially designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by gently shifting the lower jaw forward, which prevents the airway from collapsing.
This repositioning allows for continuous airflow and greatly reduces the number of apnea events (breathing interruptions) that occur throughout the night. It also significantly reduces snoring, which is a common symptom and partner-disrupting side effect of sleep apnea.
Oral appliances are FDA-approved, highly effective, and supported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a front-line treatment for mild to moderate OSA.
Who Is Oral Appliance Therapy For?
Oral appliance therapy is ideal for patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with mild or moderate OSA
- Have tried CPAP but found it uncomfortable or intolerable
- Travel frequently and need a portable, CPAP-free solution
- Are looking for a quieter and less invasive way to treat sleep apnea
- Experience loud snoring that affects their partner’s sleep
Even some patients with severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy may benefit from oral appliance therapy when it’s monitored carefully by a provider like Dr. Hu in collaboration with a sleep specialist.
The Oral Appliance Therapy Process at Nevada Dental Sleep
Every patient at Nevada Dental Sleep receives personalized care and a custom treatment plan. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from start to finish.
1. Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a consultation with Dr. Jerry Hu. During this visit, you’ll discuss your symptoms, sleep history, and any previous diagnosis or treatment attempts. If you haven’t had a sleep study, Dr. Hu can refer you to one of our partner sleep centers in Las Vegas for an at-home or in-lab study to confirm your diagnosis.
2. Sleep Study and Diagnosis Review
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we’ll review your results to determine whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate. This step is crucial, as oral appliances are designed to treat OSA—but not all forms of sleep-disordered breathing.
Patients with central sleep apnea or other complex sleep disorders may require a different approach.
3. Digital Impressions and Appliance Design
If you’re a candidate for therapy, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth and jaw. Using 3D scanning technology, we create a precise, mess-free model of your mouth—no gooey trays involved.
From there, we custom design your oral appliance for a perfect fit. This ensures comfort, stability, and optimal jaw positioning to reduce airway blockage.
4. Fitting and Adjustment
When your appliance is ready, you’ll return for a fitting. Dr. Hu will ensure it’s comfortable and properly aligned. Over time, adjustments may be made to improve the position of the jaw and the effectiveness of the treatment.
We’ll also provide guidance on how to wear, clean, and care for your oral appliance for long-term success.
5. Follow-Up and Monitoring
Sleep apnea treatment doesn’t stop with the device. We continue to monitor your progress through follow-up appointments, symptom tracking, and collaboration with your sleep physician.
Some patients will undergo a follow-up sleep study while wearing the appliance to verify its effectiveness.
What Does the Oral Appliance Feel Like?
Many patients worry that wearing a dental device at night will be uncomfortable or difficult to adapt to. But because these appliances are custom-fitted, most patients report that they are surprisingly easy to get used to.
The appliance rests in your mouth like a snug mouthguard. You’ll still be able to speak briefly, breathe through your mouth, and drink water with it in place. Most users adjust to sleeping with the appliance within a few nights, and many say the improvement in sleep quality outweighs any initial adjustment period.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Patients at Nevada Dental Sleep often report dramatic improvements in sleep quality and overall well-being after starting oral appliance therapy. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Improved energy levels during the day
- Reduction or elimination of snoring
- Better sleep for both you and your partner
- No bulky machine or air pressure to manage
- Increased comfort and convenience, especially for travel
- Discreet and quiet—no noise or hoses
- Covered by most medical insurance plans, including Medicare
Most importantly, oral appliance therapy improves oxygen flow and sleep quality, which can reduce the risk of serious health complications linked to untreated sleep apnea.
Oral Appliance Therapy vs. CPAP
CPAP is highly effective but not without downsides. Patients often cite the noise, discomfort, and awkwardness of the CPAP mask and tubing as reasons for non-compliance. In fact, CPAP has one of the lowest compliance rates of any long-term therapy.
Oral appliances, on the other hand, offer similar effectiveness for many cases of OSA—especially when fitted and managed by a specialist—and are far more likely to be used consistently.
Compliance is the key to results. If you’re not using your CPAP, it’s not working. That’s why so many patients turn to oral appliance therapy for a solution they can stick with long-term.
Will My Insurance Cover Oral Appliance Therapy?
In most cases, oral appliance therapy is covered under medical insurance, not dental insurance. This includes Medicare and many private insurance plans. Coverage usually requires a recent sleep study and a diagnosis of OSA by a physician.
At Nevada Dental Sleep, we help patients verify their coverage and handle the paperwork needed to secure insurance reimbursement. Our goal is to make treatment as accessible and affordable as possible.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Appliance
Proper care of your oral appliance is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Dr. Hu will provide you with detailed instructions, but in general:
- Rinse the appliance with water after each use
- Brush it gently with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste)
- Store it in its protective case when not in use
- Bring it to your follow-up appointments for inspection
With regular maintenance, your oral appliance can last several years and provide long-term relief from the effects of sleep apnea.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing symptoms like loud snoring, morning fatigue, dry mouth, or difficulty concentrating, it may be time to investigate further. Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your sleep—it affects your memory, your mood, your cardiovascular health, and your quality of life.
Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or you’re just starting to explore options, Nevada Dental Sleep is here to help. We’ll walk you through the entire process and tailor your treatment to your needs.
Why Choose Nevada Dental Sleep?
At Nevada Dental Sleep, you’re not just getting a mouthpiece—you’re getting expert care from a sleep apnea-trained dentist who understands how to integrate oral appliance therapy into a comprehensive care plan.
Dr. Jerry Hu combines advanced technology, evidence-based protocols, and a compassionate approach to help patients sleep better and live healthier. Our office works with local sleep centers, ENT specialists, and primary care providers to ensure a seamless experience from diagnosis through long-term management.
Final Thoughts
Oral appliance therapy has become a trusted and effective treatment for thousands of patients struggling with obstructive sleep apnea, especially those who can’t or won’t use CPAP. It’s a solution that’s simple, practical, and backed by science.
If you’re ready for better sleep without the discomfort of a CPAP machine, Nevada Dental Sleep is here to help. We’ll guide you through every step, from diagnosis to fitting to follow-up care—so you can finally rest easy.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out if oral appliance therapy is the right fit for you.
