What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. The most prevalent and commonly treated form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the throat relax and the airway becomes blocked — restricting the flow of oxygen to the brain and body.

These breathing pauses can happen dozens — or even hundreds — of times per night, often without the person waking up or being aware. Over time, untreated sleep apnea puts serious strain on your heart, brain, and overall health.
In the United States, approximately 25 million adults are affected by obstructive sleep apnea. Many remain undiagnosed for years, mistaking the symptoms for everyday fatigue or stress.

What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can present differently from person to person, but common indications include:

Nighttime symptoms:

  • Loud, persistent snoring
  • Gasping or choking sounds during sleep (often noticed by a bed partner)
  • Frequent waking throughout the night
  • Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat

Daytime symptoms:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness despite a full night's sleep
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering tasks
  • Waking up with headaches
  • Irritability, mood changes, or low energy throughout the day

Associated health conditions:

Sleep apnea is closely linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastric reflux, hypertension, and depression. If you are experiencing multiple symptoms above, a sleep evaluation is strongly recommended.

How Can I Find Out if I Have Sleep Apnea?

The only way to confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis is through a sleep study, also called a polysomnogram or home sleep apnea test (HSAT). This study monitors your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and body movements while you sleep.

At Discover Airway & Sleep, we coordinate closely with sleep physicians to ensure you receive the right diagnostic pathway — whether that's a convenient home sleep test or a full in-lab study. Once results are reviewed, we use those findings alongside your dental health to create a customized treatment plan.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is one of the most widely known treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. It delivers a continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth, keeping the airway open during sleep. While highly effective, many patients find CPAP machines uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or difficult to use consistently — which reduces their effectiveness over time.

Oral Appliance Therapy — A Comfortable CPAP Alternative

Oral appliances are an increasingly preferred treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea — and for those who snore heavily but have not yet been diagnosed with OSA.

These custom-fitted devices resemble a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. They work by gently repositioning the jaw and supporting the tongue and soft tissues, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep. The result is quieter, uninterrupted breathing — without a machine, a mask, or a power outlet.

Custom Oral Appliances — Skilled and Experienced Care

Our practice specializes in Dental Sleep Medicine and is committed to providing expert, patient-centered care at every step. Here's what sets our appliance therapy apart:

Comprehensive dental evaluation

We take a thorough look at your teeth, jaw alignment, and bite before designing your appliance — ensuring comfort and long-term dental health are both protected.

Precise custom impressions

Your appliance is fabricated from detailed impressions of your teeth for a fit that is secure, comfortable, and effective from night one.

Ongoing monitoring and adjustments

We schedule follow-up visits to fine-tune your appliance, track your progress, and ensure optimal results over time. Many patients notice improvement within the first week.

Coordinated care

We work directly with your primary care physician or sleep specialist to co-manage your treatment, review sleep study results, and document outcomes for insurance purposes.

Think you may have sleep apnea? Don't wait

The sooner you get evaluated, the sooner you can reclaim your sleep — and protect your long-term health. Start with our 2-minute sleep quiz to find out if a dental sleep appliance could be right for you.

Take the Sleep Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment

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