Sleep Apnea Appliances
Sleep better. Skip the CPAP. A custom oral appliance that actually works.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition where the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing pauses in breathing, loud snoring, fragmented sleep, daytime fatigue, and long-term cardiovascular risk. CPAP therapy is the gold standard treatment — but many patients can't tolerate it.
For mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance is an FDA-cleared alternative. It looks like a small, comfortable mouthguard worn during sleep. By gently positioning the lower jaw forward, it keeps the airway open and stops the cycle of breathing pauses.
At PGS Dentistry, we work with your physician and your sleep study results to determine if an oral appliance is right for you. The appliance is custom-fit, adjustable, and far more portable and tolerable than CPAP for many patients.
A clear, comfortable process from start to finish.
- 1
Diagnosis confirmation
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician with a sleep study. We work from your sleep study results — we don't diagnose sleep apnea ourselves.
- 2
Candidacy assessment
Oral appliances work best for mild-to-moderate cases or for severe cases where CPAP isn't tolerated. We evaluate your bite, jaw, and teeth to confirm fit is feasible.
- 3
Custom impressions
Precise impressions or digital scans capture your bite. The appliance is fabricated by a specialized dental lab to your exact specifications.
- 4
Fitting & calibration
We deliver and fit the appliance, and adjust the jaw position incrementally to find the setting that opens your airway with minimal discomfort.
- 5
Follow-up & monitoring
We coordinate a follow-up sleep study with your physician to confirm the appliance is working. Periodic adjustments keep it effective long-term.
Common questions about sleep apnea appliances.
How does an oral appliance treat sleep apnea?
It positions your lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, which keeps the airway open at the back of your throat — preventing the collapses that cause apnea episodes.
Will it work as well as CPAP?
For mild-to-moderate cases, often yes. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP is more effective — but oral appliances are still a good option for patients who genuinely can't tolerate CPAP.
Is the appliance comfortable?
Most patients adapt within 1–2 weeks. Initial soreness in the jaw or teeth is common and usually settles. We adjust the device until it's comfortable and effective.
Does insurance cover oral appliances for sleep apnea?
Often yes — typically through medical insurance rather than dental, since sleep apnea is a medical condition. We help with the documentation needed for coverage.
Do I still need to see my sleep doctor?
Yes — sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires ongoing physician oversight. We work with your physician, not in place of them.
Explore related treatments.
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Save a damaged tooth and end the pain — modern root canals are far more comfortable than their reputation suggests.
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Implants, bridges, dentures, partials — we'll help you understand the trade-offs and choose the right fit.
Learn moreWhere sleep apnea appliances is offered
Sleep Apnea Appliances is available at all PGS Dentistry locations across Macomb and St. Clair counties.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a visit or call — a real person picks up.