When most people think about treating sleep apnea, they picture a CPAP machine on a nightstand. What many do not realize is that dentistry plays a meaningful role in managing this condition. At Fiori Dental in San Mateo, Drs. Anthony and Jane Ferrera offer oral appliance therapy as an effective, non-invasive alternative for patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or who have not been able to tolerate CPAP therapy.
If you or someone you love has been struggling with poor sleep, loud snoring, or daytime fatigue, it may be worth exploring whether a dental appliance could help.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close entirely. This temporarily stops breathing, which can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night. Each interruption signals the brain to briefly wake the body in order to reopen the airway, which is why people with sleep apnea so rarely feel rested regardless of how many hours they spend in bed.
Common signs of obstructive sleep apnea include:
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires a formal diagnosis from a physician or sleep specialist. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, your first step is to speak with your doctor about a sleep study. Once you have a diagnosis, our team at Fiori Dental can work alongside your physician to determine whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate for your case.
Oral appliances for sleep apnea are custom-fitted devices that are worn in the mouth during sleep. They work by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward, which helps keep the airway open and reduces or eliminates the breathing interruptions associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Unlike a CPAP machine, oral appliances are small, silent, and easy to travel with. Many patients who have struggled to adjust to CPAP find oral appliance therapy to be a far more comfortable and practical solution. The appliance is worn only during sleep and does not require electricity, tubing, or a mask.
At Fiori Dental, the process begins with a thorough evaluation of your teeth, jaw, and bite. Drs. Anthony and Jane Ferrera will take precise impressions or digital scans of your mouth to create an appliance that fits your anatomy exactly. Generic or over-the-counter mouthguards are not suitable substitutes, as they do not provide the targeted repositioning that a custom appliance delivers.
Oral appliance therapy is most effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with severe sleep apnea may still require CPAP therapy, though some may benefit from using both in combination. Your physician and our team will work together to recommend the most appropriate approach based on your sleep study results and overall health profile.
There are a few other factors our team will consider during your evaluation:
If you are currently undergoing clear aligner treatment with Invisalign or ClearCorrect, our team can also discuss how to coordinate your orthodontic and sleep apnea care so that both treatments work effectively together.
Sleep apnea is more than an inconvenience. When left untreated, it is associated with a range of serious health concerns, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and a significantly increased risk of daytime accidents due to fatigue. Treating sleep apnea is not just about sleeping better. It is about protecting your long-term health.
From a dental perspective, sleep apnea patients often exhibit signs of bruxism, which is the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep. Over time, bruxism can cause significant wear on tooth enamel and may lead to the need for restorative work such as dental crowns and bridges. Addressing the underlying sleep issue can help reduce the impact of grinding as well.
During your consultation at our San Mateo office, Drs. Anthony and Jane Ferrera will review your sleep study results if available, examine your teeth and jaw, and discuss your symptoms and medical history. If oral appliance therapy is a good fit, we will move forward with taking precise records and designing your custom device.
Follow-up appointments are an important part of the process. Our team will check the fit and effectiveness of your appliance over time and make any adjustments needed to ensure you are getting the best results. We also recommend routine dental checkups alongside your appliance therapy to monitor the health of your teeth and gums throughout treatment.
You do not have to accept restless nights and exhausted mornings as your normal. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect you may be experiencing symptoms, Fiori Dental in San Mateo is here to help. Visit our sleep apnea treatment page to learn more about oral appliance therapy, or contact our office to schedule a consultation with Drs. Anthony and Jane Ferrera. You can also browse our complete list of dental services to learn about everything we offer at Fiori Dental.