How Can a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
If you’ve been told you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or feel exhausted during the day despite a full night’s sleep, you may be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While many people assume that treatment for sleep apnea can only come from a physician or sleep specialist, your dentist may actually be a key ally in addressing this serious sleep disorder.
At Coronado Classic Dentistry, Dr. Jason Keckley offers conservative yet effective solutions for managing mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea using custom dental appliances. But how exactly does a dentist help treat sleep apnea, and when is it the right approach for you? Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This blockage—typically caused by the collapse of soft tissues in the back of the throat—can result in brief but frequent pauses in breathing, sometimes occurring dozens or even hundreds of times per night. Each episode interrupts normal breathing and disrupts sleep cycles, depriving the body of oxygen and restorative rest.
Common signs and symptoms of OSA include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Awakening with dry mouth or sore throat
If left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even sudden cardiac death.
The Dentist’s Role in Treating Sleep Apnea
While a formal diagnosis of sleep apnea usually requires a sleep study overseen by a medical doctor, treatment—particularly for mild to moderate OSA—can often be managed by a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine. Professionals like Dr. Keckley, a skilled dentist in Coronado with experience treating patients suffering from sleep apnea, are uniquely positioned to provide treatment with oral appliances designed to keep your airway open during sleep.
Unlike CPAP machines, which use continuous air pressure to prevent airway collapse, dental appliances work by gently repositioning the jaw or tongue to maintain an open airway.
Custom Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
There are several types of oral appliances that can help manage sleep apnea and snoring. Two common options include:
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
MADs are the most frequently used oral appliances for sleep apnea. These devices look similar to a mouthguard or night guard and work by moving the lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward. This forward positioning helps prevent the collapse of soft tissues and works to keep the airway open throughout the night.
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs)
TRDs are designed to hold the tongue in a forward position using gentle suction. These are often used for patients whose tongue position is a primary factor in airway obstruction.
Both appliance types are custom-fitted for your mouth to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness. Unlike over-the-counter options, professionally made oral appliances are tailored to your anatomy and bite alignment, which greatly enhances their performance and tolerability.
Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea: What’s the Connection?
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended as part of a comprehensive approach to improving airway function and treating sleep apnea. Malocclusion (a misaligned bite), narrow dental arches, or a retruded jaw can all contribute to a restricted airway.
Our dentist offers personalized orthodontic solutions—including ClearCorrect® aligners (similar to Invisalign®)—that not only straighten teeth but can also help optimize jaw alignment and oral structures related to breathing. When properly aligned, the teeth and jaw can support a more open and stable airway during sleep, reducing the risk or severity of sleep apnea.
Orthodontics may be recommended alongside oral appliance therapy or as a preventive strategy for younger patients with signs of developing airway issues.
Why Choose a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
There are several advantages to working with a dentist like Dr. Keckley for sleep apnea care:
- Expertise in Oral Structures: Dentists have a deep understanding of the anatomy of the jaw, mouth, and airway—key elements in sleep apnea.
- Customized Solutions: Unlike generic mouthguards, custom dental appliances are designed to fit your exact needs.
- Non-Surgical & Non-Invasive: Oral appliance therapy offers a conservative alternative to surgery or CPAP for many patients.
- Better Compliance: Studies show that many patients find oral appliances easier to use consistently compared to CPAP machines.
At Coronado Classic Dentistry, your treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to determine whether you’re a candidate. If additional testing is needed, Dr. Keckley can refer you to a sleep physician to confirm a diagnosis before proceeding with dental appliance therapy.
What Affects the Cost of Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Understandably, one of the most common questions we hear is: “How much does it cost to treat sleep apnea with a dental appliance?”
The cost can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The type of appliance prescribed
- The complexity of your condition
- Customization and materials used
- Any additional diagnostic imaging or follow-up care required
At Coronado Classic Dentistry, we believe in full transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of costs during your consultation. Many patients find oral appliance therapy to be an affordable and worthwhile investment in their health and quality of life.
Will My Insurance Cover Sleep Apnea Treatment?
In some cases, medical insurance—not dental insurance—may provide partial or full coverage for oral appliance therapy if it is prescribed as a treatment for diagnosed sleep apnea. Our team can assist in coordinating with your insurance provider and determining eligibility. For patients without coverage, flexible financing options for qualified applicants who would like to pay for their treatment over time can be explored.
Better Sleep Starts with a Simple Conversation
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your nights—it can impact every part of your day. If you’ve been struggling with poor sleep, chronic snoring, or daytime fatigue, you don’t have to suffer in silence. With the right treatment approach, many patients experience dramatic improvements in sleep quality, health, and energy levels.
Dr. Keckley and our team at Coronado Classic Dentistry are here to help you breathe easier—literally and figuratively. With options such as oral appliance therapy and orthodontics, we strive to be your trusted resource for sleep apnea treatment in Coronado.
Please contact us today with any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a better night’s sleep.