Dental Appliances vs. CPAP Masks

A note from our team: Airway health, sleep-breathing concerns, and myofunctional therapy have a meaningful connection to your dental health — how you breathe, sleep, and hold your tongue at rest can affect your teeth, jaw development, and long-term oral health. We share this article so our patients understand that connection and can recognize when to seek help. When patients need care in this area, we work closely with a trusted specialist who focuses on it full-time, so you’re getting the level of expertise your overall health deserves.

Getting the recommended seven hours of sleep per night but still feeling groggy the next day? There’s a chance you’re one of the 18 million Americans living with sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition that interrupts an individual’s breathing patterns during sleep and can be especially dangerous during REM sleep (PsychCentral). Though there are different treatment options for managing sleep apnea, the decision will depend on your individual condition. Your medical or dental team may suggest a sleep test if you’re experiencing mild-to-moderate sleep apnea symptoms.

Once a sleep test is completed and a sleep physician has reviewed the results, a sleep device may be advised. Sleep devices include a CPAP or oral sleep appliance.

Oral Sleep Appliance vs. CPAP Masks

An oral sleep appliance is a device you wear while asleep that fits inside your mouth like an orthodontic retainer.

Top benefits of using an oral sleep appliance include:

No electricity
Zero noise creation while in use
Convenient size for easy travel
Comfortable to wear
Easy to wear while talking or drinking

A CPAP machine is a device one wears while asleep that helps produce a constant airflow to the throat to help your airways remain open during sleep.

FAQs About Oral Sleep Appliance

How Can I Get Prescribed an Oral Sleep Appliance?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, you’ll first need a medical diagnosis. To do this, request a home sleep test from Dakota Dental. Once diagnosed, your dental team at Dakota Dental will share options for treating your sleep apnea with an oral sleep appliance.

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

Your dentist will either digitally scan or take an impression of your teeth to construct a custom-fit oral sleep appliance. After two weeks, you’ll be fitted with your device while your dental team makes any appropriate adjustments to ensure the device feels comfortable in your mouth.

How Much Does an Oral Sleep Appliance Cost?

Your medical insurance provider may cover the costs of both your sleep study and oral appliance. Contact your insurance provider to learn more or ask Dakota Dental about our special financing options to help you receive the treatment you need.

Oral Sleep Appliance: An Alternative Treatment for Sleep Apnea

For some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, wearing a CPAP machine at night may feel uncomfortable or less effective. If this occurs and it’s beginning to affect your quality of life, an oral sleep appliance may be an alternative.

The oral sleep appliance includes both upper and lower removable trays that remain connected through a stable hinge located on each side. The device works by bringing the lower jaw forward to help open the airways and introduce proper breathing.

New Sleep Apnea Treatment Available at Dakota Dental

Choosing between a CPAP machine or an oral sleep appliance will depend on your individual situation. At Dakota Dental, our dental team will assist you in making the best decision in treating your sleep condition and helping you get back to feeling your best.

Your Overall Health Is Part of Your Dental Care

At Dakota Dental, we look at more than just your teeth — how you breathe, sleep, and function each day are all connected to your oral health. For patients who need care specifically focused on airway, sleep-breathing, or myofunctional therapy, we partner with a trusted specialist nearby whose practice is dedicated to this work. That partnership lets us keep our attention on your comprehensive dental care while making sure you get the specialized attention this area deserves.

If anything in this article resonates with you or someone in your family, mention it at your next visit. We’re happy to talk through the connection to your dental health and help you find the right next step.

Sleep Apnea CPAP Alternatives – Dental Appliances vs. CPAP Masks