Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea affect far more than a quiet bedroom. They can disrupt sleep, strain relationships, and contribute to serious health concerns over time. At Alameda Dental in Aurora, CO, we help patients address these conditions through dental sleep medicine—a focused area of dentistry that uses custom-fitted oral appliances to keep the airway open during sleep. Below, we answer the most common questions we hear from individuals and their bed partners.
01 / What is dental sleep medicine?What is dental sleep medicine?
Dental sleep medicine is the branch of dentistry that manages snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with removable oral appliances. Instead of a CPAP machine, which delivers pressurized air through a mask, an oral appliance gently holds the lower jaw and tongue in a forward position while you sleep. This forward placement helps prevent the soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing and blocking the airway—the root cause of most obstructive breathing events.
We do not diagnose sleep apnea independently. Our role is to work alongside sleep physicians and, when appropriate, guide patients toward a formal sleep study. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we can determine whether oral appliance therapy is a suitable option.
02 / How an oral appliance compares to CPAPHow an oral appliance compares to CPAP
A CPAP machine is highly effective, but some people struggle with mask discomfort, noise, dry nose, claustrophobia, or the inconvenience of tubing and electricity. Travel with CPAP requires extra packing and a power source.
An oral appliance operates on a completely different principle. It is a compact, custom-made device that fits entirely inside the mouth, similar in size to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. There is no mask, no hose, no noise, and no power cord. You place it in your mouth before sleep and remove it in the morning. For many—especially those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea—this simplicity leads to consistent nightly use, which is critical for long-term success.
03 / The fitting process at our practiceThe fitting process at our practice
We start with a thorough conversation about your sleep symptoms, medical history, and any prior sleep studies. Next, we examine your teeth, gums, jaw joints (TMJs), and the general anatomy of your airway. Because the appliance alters jaw position, we assess your jaw’s range of motion to make sure it can tolerate the therapy.
If we believe an appliance is right for you, we take precise dental impressions. These impressions are sent to a trusted dental laboratory, along with a detailed prescription for how far to advance your jaw. The lab fabricates a device that fits your unique dentition. When the appliance arrives, we fit it in your mouth, make any necessary adjustments to the advancement setting, and show you how to insert, remove, and clean it. A follow-up visit a few weeks later lets us fine-tune the fit and address any early questions.
04 / Who is a good candidate?Who is a good candidate?
Oral appliance therapy is typically considered for adults with primary snoring, mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or severe sleep apnea when CPAP is not tolerated. You generally need enough healthy teeth to securely hold the appliance, and your jaw joints should be free of advanced pathology that would make prolonged forward positioning problematic. Patients with central sleep apnea—where the brain fails to send the correct signals to breathe—are not candidates; that condition requires management by a sleep specialist.
05 / Advantages of oral appliance therapyAdvantages of oral appliance therapy
- Portability: The appliance slips into a small protective case and travels anywhere without batteries, cords, or distilled water.
- Silent operation: No motor noise means a quieter environment for you and your sleep partner.
- Comfort: No mask pressure on the face, and many users report less morning dry mouth compared to CPAP.
- Ease of use: A straightforward routine—wear, clean, repeat—helps people stick with therapy night after night. Consistent use translates to fewer breathing interruptions and more restorative sleep.
06 / Potential side effects and long-term monitoringPotential side effects and long-term monitoring
Most people experience mild, temporary effects during the first few days: increased salivation, slight jaw muscle soreness, or tooth tenderness. These usually fade as your mouth adjusts.
Over time, we monitor for changes in your bite. Keeping the jaw forward for hours each night can sometimes cause a subtle shift in how your teeth meet in the morning. This shift is typically temporary and can often be managed with a simple morning jaw exercise or, in some cases, a repositioning device. We recommend regular checkups—at least twice a year—to examine the appliance, evaluate your teeth and jaw joints, and confirm the therapy remains effective.
07 / The connection to TMJ and overall dental healthThe connection to TMJ and overall dental health
At Alameda Dental, we view the airway, teeth, and jaw joints as parts of one interconnected system. When the airway narrows during sleep, the brain may respond by triggering bruxism (grinding or clenching) in an effort to reopen the throat. Over time, this can wear down teeth and stress the TMJ. By stabilizing the airway, an oral appliance may reduce grinding patterns, shielding both your teeth and your jaw joints. That’s why we group TMJ and sleep concerns together—they often go hand in hand.
08 / Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Will the appliance make me gag?
Most people adapt within a week. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, we can select a design that minimizes palate coverage.
How long does an appliance last?
With proper care, many appliances serve patients well for several years. Heavy grinders may need a replacement sooner. We inspect your device at each checkup and let you know when wear is becoming a concern.
Can I wear it if I have dentures?
The appliance needs at least some stable natural teeth or dental implants to stay in place. If you wear full upper and lower dentures, we can discuss alternative options.
Does medical insurance cover oral appliance therapy?
Many medical plans provide coverage for an oral appliance when obstructive sleep apnea is properly documented. Our team helps prepare the necessary paperwork and can request pre-authorization from your insurance carrier. Because every plan differs, we will give you a personalized estimate before treatment begins.
Will I drool excessively?
Extra saliva is common the first few nights and typically resolves on its own. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated can help during the adjustment period.
Is the appliance visible to others?
It sits inside the mouth and is hidden when your lips are closed, so it’s not noticeable during the night.
Can I open my mouth while wearing it?
Some limited movement is possible. The appliance keeps your jaw in a forward position but still allows for lip closure and normal tongue motion.
01 / What to expect during your appointmentsWhat to expect during your appointments
Initial consultation
We review your sleep history, any previous test results, and the symptoms that trouble you most. Then we perform an exam of your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and airway. We explain your options and, if you choose to proceed, provide a written treatment estimate. We can also begin the insurance pre-authorization process at this time if needed.
Records appointment
We take precise dental impressions to capture the exact contours of your teeth. We also record your bite at the jaw position we plan to start with. Photographs and any necessary X-rays are taken to complete the documentation for the laboratory.
Delivery appointment
You try in the finished appliance, and we make any adjustments for comfort and retention. We review daily cleaning instructions and give you a simple guide for the first few nights. A brief follow-up visit is scheduled to check your progress.
Follow-up visits
At your first follow-up, we ask about comfort and make small tweaks to the advancement if necessary. We continue to coordinate with your sleep physician to ensure the therapy is working. Later, we may recommend a repeat sleep study (often a home test) to objectively measure your improvement. After that, routine checkups every six months help us keep your appliance in good shape and monitor your oral health.
02 / Home care and travel tipsHome care and travel tips
- Daily care: Each morning, remove the appliance, brush it gently with cool water and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and let it air-dry in its ventilated case. Always brush and floss your teeth before inserting the appliance at night.
- Weekly: Soak the appliance in a denture-cleaning solution or a cleaner recommended by our team for about 15 minutes, then rinse and dry.
- Travel: Pack the appliance in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss or damage. Bring a small bottle of liquid soap. Never leave the appliance in a hot car, as heat can warp the material. Frequent travelers sometimes order a spare.
- What to avoid: Hot water (can distort the fit), abrasive toothpaste (can scratch the surface), and pets who find the appliance interesting.
03 / Warning signs to call us promptlyWarning signs to call us promptly
- Severe tooth pain or a tooth that feels loose
- Jaw locking or a bite change that does not resolve during the morning
- Cracks, chips, or sharp edges on the appliance
- Signs of an allergic reaction (rare), such as persistent mouth sores or rash
04 / When to seek an evaluationWhen to seek an evaluation
Consider scheduling a consultation if you experience loud snoring, breathing pauses noticed by your partner, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, unrefreshing sleep, or excessive daytime fatigue. If you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and find CPAP difficult to use, we can discuss whether an oral appliance might work for you.
05 / Our commitmentOur commitment
At Alameda Dental, we listen carefully to your story and design a plan that fits your life. We keep your sleep physician informed at every step and monitor your long-term oral health so the solution stays effective and comfortable. If any of the questions or situations described here sound familiar, we invite you to reach out. Call our Aurora office at (303) 343-7072 to learn more or book a visit. We look forward to helping you breathe easier and sleep better.
Alameda Dental Team
Reviewed by Alameda Dental Team
Clinically reviewed