What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a proven, non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring. It works by using a custom-fitted device worn during sleep to keep your airway open—allowing you to breathe easier and sleep more soundly.

At North Florida Sleep, we offer custom oral appliances that are designed specifically for your mouth and tailored to your needs. These devices provide a simpler, more comfortable alternative to traditional CPAP therapy.

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?

When you sleep, the muscles in your airway naturally relax. In individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, this can lead to a blocked or narrowed airway—causing breathing interruptions, loud snoring, and poor-quality sleep.

Our custom oral appliance works by gently moving your lower jaw forward. This slight adjustment helps keep the airway open throughout the night, significantly reducing apneas and promoting restful sleep.

What Is a Custom Oral Appliance?

A custom oral appliance is a small, comfortable device—similar in appearance to a mouthguard or retainer—that is worn while you sleep. Each appliance is uniquely crafted based on impressions of your teeth and jaw to ensure a precise fit.

Unlike over-the-counter options, a professionally fitted custom oral appliance is:

• Comfortable for long-term use
• Durable and easy to care for
• Highly effective in reducing sleep apnea symptoms

Benefits of a Custom Oral Appliance

Custom oral appliances are an excellent choice for patients seeking a simple, reliable solution for sleep-disordered breathing. Key benefits include:

✅ Comfortable Fit – Designed specifically for your mouth

✅ Quiet – No motors, tubes, or airflow noise

✅ Portable – Travel-friendly and easy to pack

✅ Non-Invasive – No surgery or complex machinery

✅ Effective – Reduces snoring and improves sleep quality

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Improve Your Sleep?

Custom oral appliance therapy improves your sleep by addressing the root cause of obstructive sleep apnea: a narrowed or blocked airway during rest. When your airway is obstructed, your breathing pauses—sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times a night—preventing deep, restorative sleep.

By gently shifting your lower jaw forward, the appliance keeps your airway open and reduces these breathing interruptions. This allows you to move through normal sleep stages without frequent arousals or oxygen drops.

With consistent use, oral appliance therapy can help you:

🌙 Fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer

💤 Reduce loud snoring, helping both you and your partner rest peacefully

😴 Wake up feeling refreshed, instead of groggy or foggy

🧠 Improve focus, memory, and mood throughout the day

❤️ Lower your risk of long-term complications like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure

Unlike CPAP therapy, oral appliances are silent, compact, and easy to use—making it easier to stick with treatment and experience the full benefits night after night.

What To Expect From Oral Appliance Therapy

At North Florida Sleep, we begin with a personalized consultation to learn more about your sleep concerns. If oral appliance therapy is right for you, we’ll guide you through the process—from sleep testing and custom impressions to fitting and follow-up care.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral Appliance Therapy is ideal for:

• Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
• Individuals who snore heavily but don’t qualify for OSA
• Those who find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or inconvenient
• Frequent travelers seeking a lightweight, portable option

Why Is Oral Appliance Therapy Better Than a CPAP Machine?

If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea—or have difficulty adjusting to a CPAP—a custom oral appliance may be a comfortable, effective alternative. At North Florida Sleep, we work closely with you and your sleep physician to determine the best treatment for your individual needs.

Both custom oral appliances and CPAP machines are effective, medically approved treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The best option depends on your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, and comfort preferences. Here’s how they compare:

1. Comfort & Ease of Use

• Custom Oral Appliance:
  ✅ Small, lightweight, and custom-fitted for comfort
  ✅ No hoses, headgear, or noise
  ✅ Easy to wear and clean
• CPAP Machine:
  ⚠️ Involves wearing a face mask connected to tubing
  ⚠️ Some patients find the airflow uncomfortable
  ⚠️ Requires nightly setup and cleaning

2. Portability & Travel

• Custom Oral Appliance:
  ✅ Fits in a small case—ideal for travel or use anywhere
  ✅ No need for batteries or power outlets
• CPAP Machine:
  ⚠️ Bulkier equipment that may need special travel arrangements
  ⚠️ Power-dependent and not always convenient for flying or camping

3. Noise Level

• Custom Oral Appliance:
  ✅ Completely silent—no machinery or airflow sound
• CPAP Machine:
  ⚠️ Can produce a low hum or airflow noise that bothers some users or their partners

4. Effectiveness

• Custom Oral Appliance:
  ✅ Highly effective for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
  ✅ Can also help reduce snoring
  ⚠️ May not be suitable for severe OSA without physician guidance
• CPAP Machine:
  ✅ Gold standard for moderate to severe sleep apnea
  ✅ Delivers constant airflow to keep airways open throughout the night

5. Simplicity

• Custom Oral Appliance:
  ✅ Patients are more likely to use it consistently due to comfort and simplicity
• CPAP Machine:
  ⚠️ Many patients stop using CPAP due to discomfort, dryness, or inconvenience

6. Maintenance

• Custom Oral Appliance:
  ✅ Simple cleaning routine—rinse, brush, and store
• CPAP Machine:
  ⚠️ Requires regular cleaning of the mask, hose, and water chamber to prevent bacteria buildup

Getting Started With Oral Appliance Therapy

Your questions, answered.