6100 W. 41st St. Sioux Falls, SD 57106
A Comfortable Path to Better Sleep
For many patients dealing with snoring or sleep apnea, wearing a CPAP mask every night is not a realistic long-term solution. Designer Dentistry & Smiles offers custom oral appliance therapy to patients throughout Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, Brandon, Harrisburg, and Tea, providing a simple, comfortable way to keep the airway open and improve sleep quality without the bulk of a CPAP machine.
An oral appliance is a small, custom-fitted device worn over the teeth during sleep. Rather than forcing air into the airway like a CPAP machine, it works by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway clear throughout the night, allowing for more consistent, restful breathing.
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Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy offers several advantages that make it an appealing option for many patients.
- Comfortable and Compact - Unlike a CPAP mask and hose, an oral appliance is small, quiet, and easy to travel with.
- No Electricity or Machine Required - The appliance requires no power source, making it simple to use anywhere.
- Custom Fit for Your Mouth - Each appliance is designed specifically for your teeth and jaw, providing a secure, comfortable fit.
- Easier Adjustment Period - Many patients find oral appliances easier to adapt to than a CPAP mask, particularly those who struggle with claustrophobia or nasal congestion.
- Effective for Snoring and Mild to Moderate Apnea - For appropriate candidates, an oral appliance can significantly reduce or eliminate snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?
Oral appliance therapy is often recommended for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, as well as those who have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea but cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. It is also a popular option for patients whose primary concern is chronic snoring rather than diagnosed apnea. A sleep study is typically needed to confirm the diagnosis and severity of your condition before beginning treatment, ensuring an oral appliance is an appropriate and effective option for your specific case.
Getting Your Custom Oral Appliance
Receiving a custom oral appliance involves a few key steps to ensure a precise, effective fit.
Sleep Study Review
We review your sleep study results to confirm that oral appliance therapy is an appropriate treatment option.
Oral Examination
Your teeth, jaw, and bite are evaluated to determine the best type of appliance for your anatomy.
Impressions or Digital Scans
Detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken to design a custom-fitted appliance.
Appliance Fabrication
Your appliance is custom-crafted based on your unique impressions, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit.
Fitting and Adjustments
Once your appliance is ready, we check the fit and make any necessary adjustments for comfort and effectiveness.
Follow-up and Monitoring
Follow-up visits allow our team to confirm the appliance is working effectively and make adjustments as needed over time.
Choosing the Right Appliance for You
There are many styles of oral appliances available, each with its own advantages depending on a patient's specific needs and anatomy. We are particularly fond of the Narval CC by ResMed, a thin, durable appliance designed to maximize tongue space, which is the primary factor in keeping the airway clear throughout the night. During your consultation, our team will help determine which appliance design best suits your comfort and treatment goals.
Ready for a Better Night's Sleep?
If CPAP has not worked for you, or you are looking for a more comfortable way to manage snoring or sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may be the solution you need. Our team is here to guide you through the process from evaluation to a custom, comfortable fit.
