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All About Oral Appliance Therapy
Posted on 8/1/2025 by Joseph Kabaklian DDS
Husband snoring loudly in bed while his wife covers her ears with a pillow due to the noise.Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance while you sleep. The appliance gently repositions your lower jaw and tongue to open up your airway, preventing the soft tissues in your throat from collapsing and obstructing your breathing.

What are oral appliances?


Oral appliances are similar to mouthguards or retainers. They are typically made of acrylic and fit comfortably over your upper and/or lower teeth. There are two main types of oral appliances:

•  Mandibular advancement devices (MADs): These appliances are most common and work by moving your lower jaw forward, opening up your airway.
•  Tongue retaining devices (TRDs): These appliances are less common and work by holding your tongue in a more forward position, preventing it from blocking your airway.

Who can benefit from oral appliance therapy?


Oral appliance therapy is a good option for people with mild to moderate OSA or snoring who:

•  Cannot tolerate CPAP therapy (the gold standard treatment for OSA)
•  Find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or inconvenient
•  Have anatomical limitations that prevent them from using CPAP therapy

Oral appliance therapy may also be an option for people with severe OSA who cannot tolerate surgery. However, it is important to note that oral appliance therapy is not as effective as CPAP for severe OSA.

What are the benefits of oral appliance therapy?


Oral appliance therapy offers several benefits over other treatments for OSA and snoring, including:

•  Non-invasive: Oral appliance therapy does not require any surgery or injections.
•  Comfortable: Most people find oral appliances to be comfortable to wear.
•  Convenient: Oral appliances are small and portable, so you can easily take them with you when you travel.
•  Effective: Oral appliance therapy can significantly reduce snoring and improve sleep quality for most people with mild to moderate OSA.
•  Easy to use: Oral appliance therapy is easy to use and does not require any special training.
•  No side effects: Oral appliance therapy has few side effects, unlike some medications used to treat OSA.

What are the potential side effects of oral appliance therapy?


The most common side effects of oral appliance therapy are:

•  Temporary jaw pain or discomfort: This usually goes away within a few weeks as you adjust to the appliance.
•  Dry mouth: This is a common side effect of mouth breathing, which can be caused by wearing an oral appliance. Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier can help to alleviate dry mouth.
•  Increased gag reflex: Some people find that wearing an oral appliance triggers their gag reflex. This usually goes away with time as you adjust to the appliance.

How much does oral appliance therapy cost?


The cost of oral appliance therapy varies depending on the type of appliance, the dentist you see, and your insurance coverage. The average cost of an oral appliance ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. Some insurance companies cover oral appliance therapy, but coverage varies widely.

How to find an oral appliance therapist


If you are interested in oral appliance therapy, it is important to see a qualified dentist who is experienced in fitting oral appliances. You can find an oral appliance therapist through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) website.

Conclusion


Oral appliance therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for snoring and OSA. It is a good alternative for people who cannot tolerate or do not want to use CPAP therapy. If you are considering oral appliance therapy, talk to your dentist to see if it is right for you.

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Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry, 20162 SW Birch St, Suite 200, Newport Beach, CA 92660; 949-991-2499; enamelnewportbeach.com; 12/10/2025; Related Terms: dentist Newport Beach Ca;