A Comfortable, Effective CPAP Alternative
Custom oral appliances are small, quiet, and portable — and for many patients, they work just as well as CPAP with far better long-term compliance.
How an Oral Appliance Works
An oral appliance fits over your upper and lower teeth, like two thin retainers connected together. It gently holds your lower jaw in a slightly forward position, which moves the tongue forward as well. This keeps the space behind the tongue open so air can flow freely — with no mask, no hose, and no machine.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Adults with primary snoring (snoring without apnea)
- Adults with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Adults with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP
- People who travel frequently and need a portable solution
- Anyone whose teeth and jaw joints are healthy enough to wear an appliance
Comfortable
Most patients adjust within a few days. No mask, no hose, no noise.
Travel-Ready
Fits in a small case. Works anywhere — planes, camping, hotels. No power needed.
Insurance Covered
Most medical insurance plans, including Medicare, cover oral appliance therapy when prescribed for sleep apnea.
Proven Results
For mild to moderate OSA, oral appliances often lower the AHI by half or more. Many patients reach a normal AHI.
Your Path to Better Sleep — What to Expect
Consultation & Exam
We review your sleep study results, medical history, and symptoms. We examine your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and airway. If an oral appliance is right for you, we'll plan next steps — and verify your insurance benefits before proceeding.
Digital Scan
A quick, comfortable 3D digital scan of your upper and lower teeth is sent to a specialized lab. Your custom appliance is fabricated over about two to three weeks.
Delivery & Fitting
When your appliance is ready, we fit it carefully, show you how to insert, remove, and clean it, and set an initial jaw position for comfort. You take it home that same day.
Titration (Fine-Tuning)
Over the following weeks, we make small adjustments — moving the jaw position forward gradually until symptoms resolve. Follow-up sleep testing confirms how well the appliance is working.
Long-Term Care
Once your appliance is dialed in, we see you one to two times per year to check your teeth, bite, and appliance. A well-maintained appliance lasts three to five years or more — and most insurance plans cover a replacement at that time.
Caring for Your Oral Appliance
- Daily: Rinse with cool water and brush gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner (not regular toothpaste, which scratches).
- Weekly: Soak in a retainer or denture cleaning solution (e.g., Retainer Bright).
- Storage: Keep in its case, stored dry in a cool location. Avoid heat, direct sunlight, and alcohol-based mouthwash.
- Travel: Pack in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
- Pets: Dogs find the scent appealing. Keep your appliance out of reach.
"My CPAP sat in the closet for three years. My oral appliance goes everywhere I do — even on hunting trips. I sleep through the night. My wife sleeps through the night. We both got our lives back."
Ready to Try an Oral Appliance?
Dr. Schumacher is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine — the highest credential in the field. Call us to schedule a consultation.
Call 505-327-4863