What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy uses a small, custom-fit device — similar in size to a mouthguard or retainer — that gently repositions your lower jaw and tongue while you sleep. This subtle shift keeps your airway open and prevents the soft tissues in the back of your throat from collapsing, which is the primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea.
Each appliance is designed just for you, based on digital scans and precise measurements of your mouth and jaw. It’s comfortable, discreet, and worn only while you sleep.
Best of all? It’s FDA-approved, non-invasive, and doesn’t require electricity, tubing, or forced air to work.
Who Can Benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a clinically proven treatment option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It’s also a great choice for people who:
- Struggle with CPAP or have stopped using it
- Experience loud, frequent snoring (even without a full OSA diagnosis)
- Want a more natural, low-maintenance solution
- Travel often or need a portable treatment option
- Have a healthy mouth, jaw, and airway structure
If you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate, we can help. A simple sleep screening and consultation will tell us if this option is right for you.
How Does OAT Work?
The oral appliance fits over the upper and lower teeth, similar to a retainer or night guard. It is designed to gently reposition the lower jaw and tongue, creating more space for airflow in the back of the throat. This repositioning of the jaw and tongue prevents the airway from collapsing, reducing or eliminating the obstruction that causes sleep apnea symptoms.
Why Patients Choose Oral Appliances Over CPAP
For many of our patients at Best Sleep Today, oral appliance therapy is more than just an alternative to CPAP — it’s a life upgrade. Here are the key reasons patients love their results:
Comfortable and Non-Invasive
No bulky masks. No tubes or machines. Oral appliances are easy to wear, fit comfortably in the mouth, and won’t interrupt your sleep or your partner’s. There’s no need for surgery or permanent adjustments to your airway. Most patients adjust quickly and report minimal side effects — especially compared to the discomfort and frustration often reported with CPAP.
Travel-Friendly and Hassle-Free
Whether you’re traveling for work, heading out on vacation, or just want a night away from noisy machines, an oral appliance fits in a small case and requires no batteries, filters, or chargers. You can take it anywhere — discreetly and effortlessly.
Real Sleep, Not Just Time in Bed
Because oral appliances keep your airway open, your body can move through full, uninterrupted sleep cycles — including restorative deep sleep (N3) and REM stages. That means fewer micro-awakenings, better oxygen levels, and more truly restful nights. You’re not just lying in bed for 7–8 hours — you’re actually recovering.
Improved Energy, Focus, and Mood
With better sleep comes better days. Many patients report feeling sharper at work, more emotionally stable, and less reliant on caffeine or naps. Brain fog lifts. Mornings become manageable. Over time, these improvements help restore your confidence and overall quality of life.
Cardiovascular and Long-Term Health Protection
Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring or fatigue — it puts strain on your heart, blood pressure, metabolism, and even your mental health. Studies show that effective oral appliance therapy can reduce blood pressure, improve blood oxygen levels, and lower the long-term risk of cardiovascular issues. It’s a small device that makes a big difference.
Better Compliance = Better Results
The best treatment is the one you’ll actually use. While CPAP is effective in theory, many patients stop using it after just a few weeks or months. Oral appliances have significantly higher compliance rates — meaning patients use them more consistently, leading to better long-term outcomes.
Available Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Dr. Mason and his team work with each patient to customize the perfect oral appliance for their individual case. While patients don’t get to choose which oral appliance they receive, it can be helpful to understand the different options available. The specific appliance prescribed will depend on your diagnosed condition, anatomy, preferences, and other factors determined by your sleep doctor and dentist.
SomnoDent Avant
The Avant has an adjustment mechanism that is interchangeable to keep your mouth closed and promote nasal breathing to reduce snoring. It also offers the option of a BFlex liner to cradle your teeth comfortably.
SomnoDent Herbst Advance
This appliance comes with or without a BFlex liner. The Herbst’s “arms” are designed to avoid jamming. Lip bumpers can also be added to cushion contact with your cheeks.
Flex 9
Featuring thin, flexible medical-grade nylon, the Flex 9 can be used for bruxism (teeth grinding) patients. It has interchangeable trays for consistent protrusive adjustment.
DynaFlex Dorsal
The two-piece DynaFlex allows lateral jaw movement for comfort. The AccuFit liner can be remolded up to 6 times to accommodate dental work while treating sleep apnea.
DynaFlex Herbst
This is a two-piece, hinged construction with advancement screws to position the jaw forward. It comes in custom milled, comfort fit, and acrylic versions. Medicare can pay for the majority of this appliance, but it is important to note that every case is different. Best Sleep Today works with you to maximize your Medicare benefits!
Prosomnus EVO
Made of a proprietary flexible MG6 material, the EVO uses different trays to advance the mandible. It is designed to offer both strength and comfort.
Sleep Better. Live Better. Start Today.
If you’re ready to wake up refreshed, reduce your health risks, and say goodbye to clunky machines — oral appliance therapy might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Schedule your complimentary sleep consultation today.
We’ll evaluate your symptoms, walk you through your options, and get you on the path to truly restful sleep.
