At Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center, we understand that successful sleep apnea treatment only works if you can sleep comfortably with it. While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a common solution, many patients find the noise, hoses, and masks difficult to tolerate night after night. That is why our practice is exclusively dedicated to treating sleep-disordered breathing with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). This proven, non-invasive medical treatment helps you breathe freely without the need for a machine.

Our Omaha dental sleep experts, Dr. Melissa Sheets and Dr. Tracy Brigden, are Diplomates of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. This distinction reflects our commitment to providing expert care for patients who are looking for an effective alternative to CPAP. We focus entirely on sleep solutions, ensuring you receive the highest level of attention and customized care.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Works

The concept behind oral appliance therapy is simple yet clinically powerful: it utilizes a custom-fitted device to maintain an open airway while you sleep. Unlike generic, over-the-counter mouthguards, which are often bulky and ineffective, our FDA-approved appliances are precision-crafted to fit your unique dental anatomy.

These devices work by gently positioning your lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward.

  • Airway Support: This forward position pulls the tongue and soft tissues away from the back of the throat, preventing the collapse that causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
  • Muscle Tone: It helps maintain tone in the airway muscles, significantly reducing the vibrations that cause snoring.
  • Continuous Airflow: By stabilizing the jaw, the appliance ensures you receive steady oxygen throughout the night, protecting your heart and brain health.

Why Choose An Oral Appliance?

For many patients, switching to an oral appliance is a life-changing decision that restores their energy and relationship with their bed partner. Because the device is comfortable and easy to wear, compliance rates are significantly higher than with CPAP.

Here are the key advantages of choosing OAT:

  • Superior Comfort: There are no straps, facemasks, or forced air pressure. Many patients forget they are wearing it within minutes.
  • Silent Operation: The device makes no noise, creating a peaceful environment for both you and your partner.
  • Travel-Friendly: With no cords, batteries, or distilled water to carry, your appliance fits easily into a small case, making it perfect for travel or camping.
  • Holistic Health: By treating your apnea effectively, you reduce your risk of associated conditions, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right For You?

Determining if you are a candidate for OAT depends on the severity of your condition and your specific needs. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine now recommends oral appliances as a first-line therapy for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

You may be an ideal candidate if:

  • You Have Mild to Moderate OSA: For Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) scores between 5 and 29, appliances are often just as effective as CPAP.
  • You Are CPAP Intolerant: If you have tried CPAP and failed due to discomfort, claustrophobia, or mask leaks, an appliance is the recommended medical alternative.
  • You Are a Chronic Snorer: Even without full apnea, loud snoring can disrupt sleep quality. Our appliances effectively reduce or eliminate snoring.
  • You Have a Complex Lifestyle: Frequent travelers, campers, and active individuals often find appliances much easier to manage than bulky machinery.

Your Treatment Journey In Omaha

We have refined our process to ensure a seamless experience, from diagnosis to improved sleep. We don’t just fit you for a device; we partner with you to ensure long-term success.

  • Consultation & Exam: We review your sleep study results and perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth and jaw joints to ensure you are a healthy candidate. If you have not yet been diagnosed, we can guide you through home sleep testing to get the answers you need.
  • Digital Precision: We take custom impressions, using digital scans, of your mouth to create a device that fits perfectly.
  • Fitting & Titration: When your appliance arrives, we check the fit and teach you how to adjust (titrate) the jaw advancement for optimal airflow.
  • Objective Verification: We believe in results. After you have adjusted to the device and your symptoms have improved, we typically recommend a follow-up sleep test to verify that your apnea is being effectively treated objectively.

Caring For Your Sleep Appliance

To ensure your device remains hygienic and effective for years to come, proper maintenance is essential. While oral appliances are durable, they require specific care to prevent odors and breakage.

Follow these simple guidelines for daily care:

  • Brush Before You Wear: Always brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before inserting the appliance to prevent food and bacteria from trapping against your teeth.
  • Daily Cleaning: Each morning, clean the device using a soft toothbrush and cool water or a mild liquid soap. Do not use toothpaste, as the abrasives can scratch the surface and create breeding grounds for bacteria.
  • Avoid Heat: Never soak your appliance in hot or boiling water, as this can warp the medical-grade material and ruin the fit.
  • Pet Safety: Dogs are attracted to the scent of the appliance. When not in use, always store it securely in its case, out of reach of pets.
  • Weekly Deep Clean: You can use a dedicated retainer or denture cleaner once a week for a deeper clean, but ensure it is compatible with your specific device type.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you may have questions about insurance and logistics. Here are answers to some of the common questions we receive at our practice.

Yes, because Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a medical condition, oral appliance therapy is covered by most major medical insurance plans and Medicare, not dental insurance. Our team is experienced in medical billing and will help you navigate your benefits.

It is normal for your bite to feel slightly “off” for a few minutes after removing the device in the morning. We will provide you with a simple morning repositioning tool or exercises to help your jaw return to its normal position quickly.

With proper care, a custom-made oral appliance typically lasts between 3 to 5 years. We will inspect the condition of your device during your follow-up visits to ensure it remains functioning correctly.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are ready to stop snoring and start waking up refreshed, we invite you to explore the benefits of oral appliance therapy. Do not settle for poor sleep or a treatment that doesn’t work for you.

Please call us at (402) 493-4175 to take the first step toward a quieter, healthier night’s sleep.