Dental Sleep Apnea Appliances in Jefferson City: Who Qualifies and How They Compare to CPAP

Sleep apnea doesn’t just mean snoring—it can interfere with your breathing, your energy levels, and even your heart health. Many people know about the standard treatment, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), but fewer realize that dentists like Dr. Thomas Orme at Southwest Dental Care offer another option: custom oral appliances. Here’s a look at who qualifies for them, how they work, and how they stack up against CPAP.

Who Qualifies for a Dental Sleep Appliance?

If you’ve been told you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or you suspect you might—maybe your partner says you stop breathing at night, you wake up gasping, or you’re constantly tired despite sleeping plenty—an oral appliance might be an option. Some key factors include:

• A diagnosis of mild to moderate OSA (rather than the most severe cases).
• Difficulty tolerating CPAP equipment—either mask discomfort, travel issues, or other compliance problems.
• Good dental health and sufficient teeth or jaw structure to support an appliance.
• Desire for a simpler, less bulky solution—and the willingness to follow up regularly for adjustments and monitoring.

During your consultation at Southwest Dental Care, Dr. Orme will review your sleep study results, your airway anatomy, dental health, and lifestyle—then together you’ll decide if an oral appliance is right for you.

How Does a Dental Appliance Work?

Dental sleep appliances are custom‑fitted devices—think of them like a night guard or mouthpiece—that help keep your airway open while you sleep. Some work by gently shifting the lower jaw forward, others hold the tongue in place, preventing airway collapse.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Impressions or a 3D scan of your teeth and bite.
• Fabrication of a custom device designed to fit your mouth precisely.
• A few adjustment visits to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
• Regular check‑ups to monitor how your bite, jaw, and teeth respond.

These appliances are silent, less bulky than CPAP machines, and travel‑friendly.

CPAP vs. Dental Appliance: What’s the Difference?

• Effectiveness: CPAP remains the gold standard, especially for moderate to severe OSA. It delivers pressurized air to hold open your airway. That said, oral appliances are increasingly recognized for their practical value: while they may not always reduce breathing disruptions to the same degree as CPAP, they often offer similar improvements in daytime sleepiness and quality of life—especially because patients are more likely to use them consistently.
• Comfort & compliance: Many find oral appliances more comfortable and easier to integrate into life (traveling, sleeping with a partner) compared to CPAP masks and hoses.

Best use cases:

• Oral appliance likely a good fit if your OSA is mild/moderate, and you struggle with CPAP.
• CPAP may be necessary if your OSA is severe, airway obstruction is extensive, or your physician recommends maximal airflow support.

At Southwest Dental Care, Dr. Orme coordinates closely with sleep physicians and your dental team to choose the right path—not one size fits all.

Why Choose Southwest Dental Care in Jefferson City?

When you come to Southwest Dental Care, you’ll find a practice that takes sleep‑apnea appliances seriously. Dr. Orme evaluates your dental health, bite alignment, and sleep data to design a plan that works with your life—not against it. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, CPAP‑intolerant, or just exploring your options, the goal is straightforward: better sleep, improved health, and a simpler nightly routine.

Ready to Explore Your Sleep Options?

If you’re waking up tired, snoring loudly, or suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s time to ask about whether a dental appliance might be your solution. Reach out to Southwest Dental Care in Jefferson City for a consultation, and let Dr. Thomas Orme and his team guide you toward better rest—one good night at a time.

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Categorised in: Sleep Apnea