Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances in Alpharetta, GA | Snore Guards

Tired of CPAP? Custom oral appliances treat sleep apnea and snoring by gently repositioning your jaw—comfortable, portable, and effective for mild to moderate cases.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Loud Snoring: Especially with gasping or choking sounds
Daytime Fatigue: Excessive sleepiness despite full night's sleep
Morning Headaches: Waking with headaches
Difficulty Concentrating: Brain fog, memory problems
Mood Changes: Irritability, depression
Dry Mouth/Sore Throat: Upon waking
Night Sweats: Excessive perspiration during sleep
Witnessed Pauses: Partner notices you stop breathing

How Oral Appliances Work

Custom oral appliances (also called mandibular advancement devices) work by:

Repositioning Lower Jaw: Gently moves jaw forward
Opening Airway: Prevents throat collapse during sleep
Stabilizing Tongue: Keeps tongue from blocking airway
Improving Airflow: Allows unobstructed breathing

Oral Appliance vs. CPAP

Feature	Oral Appliance	CPAP Machine
Comfort	Very comfortable	Uncomfortable mask
Portability	Pocket-sized	Bulky machine
Noise	Silent	Noisy
Power Required	No	Yes
Compliance Rate	80-90%	50-60%
Best For	Mild-moderate OSA	Severe OSA
Cost	$1,500-$3,000	$800-$3,000

The Treatment Process

1
Sleep Study: Obtain diagnosis from sleep physician (required for insurance coverage).
2
Dental Evaluation: Examine teeth, jaw, and bite to ensure you're a candidate.
3
Custom Impressions: Take precise molds of your teeth and bite registration.
4
Appliance Fabrication: Lab creates custom device (2-3 weeks).
5
Fitting & Adjustment: Fit appliance, teach proper use, make initial adjustments.
6
Follow-Up Care: Regular adjustments to optimize jaw position and effectiveness.
7
Sleep Study Verification: Confirm appliance effectiveness with follow-up study.

Benefits of Oral Appliances

Comfortable: No mask, hoses, or machine noise
Portable: Perfect for travel, camping, or power outages
Easy to Use: Simply insert before bed
High Compliance: Patients actually use them consistently
Adjustable: Fine-tune jaw position for optimal results
Durable: Lasts 3-5 years with proper care
Silent: No noise to disturb partner
Effective: 80-90% success rate for mild-moderate OSA

Am I a Candidate?

Good Candidates:

Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
Primary snoring without apnea
CPAP intolerant or non-compliant
Healthy teeth and gums
Adequate jaw mobility
No severe TMJ disorders

May Need CPAP Instead:

Severe sleep apnea (AHI >30)
Central sleep apnea
Significant obesity
Limited jaw movement
Insufficient teeth for retention

Caring for Your Appliance

Daily Care:

Rinse After Use: Cold water every morning
Brush Daily: Soft toothbrush with mild soap
Soak Weekly: Denture cleaner or special solution
Store Dry: Ventilated case when not wearing
Avoid Heat: No hot water or dishwasher
Bring to Appointments: Regular check-ups for adjustments

Cost & Insurance Coverage

Investment:

Custom Oral Appliance: $1,500-$3,000
Adjustments & Follow-Ups: Usually included first year
Replacement (3-5 years): $1,500-$3,000

Insurance Coverage: Medical insurance (not dental) often covers 50-80% with sleep study diagnosis. Medicare may cover with prior authorization.

Financing Options:

• CareCredit® - 0% interest available
• Payment plans
• FSA/HSA eligible

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it hurt my jaw?

Mild jaw soreness first few days is normal as you adjust. This resolves quickly. We'll make adjustments if discomfort persists.

Can I sleep on my side?

Yes! Oral appliances work in any sleep position. No restrictions like with CPAP masks.

How long do they last?

3-5 years with proper care. Heavy grinders may need replacement sooner.

Will it stop my snoring?

Yes! Most patients experience significant snoring reduction or complete elimination.

Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation

Stop suffering from poor sleep. Call (770) 520-4013 or book online for your oral appliance consultation.