Sleep Apnea Custom Oral Appliances in Chico, CA

Getting a good night's sleep is important for your overall health, energy, and quality of life. However, sleep apnea can interrupt your rest and affect your health in ways you may not even realize.

At Gary Johnson, DDS, we offer custom sleep apnea oral appliances to help patients manage their obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and enjoy more restful nights. These small, comfortable devices provide an alternative to traditional CPAP machines and can make sleep apnea treatment easier to maintain. Interested in learning more? Contact us today!

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What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles and soft tissues in the back of your throat relax during sleep, partially or completely blocking your airway. This causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, which can lower oxygen levels and interrupt your sleep cycle.

Common sleep apnea symptoms include:

  • Loud, frequent snoring

  • Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep

  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

  • Morning headaches

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue

  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

  • Irritability or mood changes

  • Waking up frequently throughout the night

 

How Do Custom Oral Appliances Treat Sleep Apnea?

A custom sleep apnea oral appliance is a small, removable device worn while you sleep. It works by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue forward to help keep your airway open. This reduces airway obstruction, allowing you to breathe more comfortably throughout the night.

Unlike CPAP machines, which use a mask and continuous airflow to keep your airway open, oral appliances are compact, quiet, and easy to travel with. Other benefits include:

  • Greater comfort: No mask, tubing, or machine is needed.

  • Easy maintenance: Oral appliances are generally simple to clean and care for.

  • Convenience: Their small size makes them easy to pack when traveling.

  • No additional requirements: No need for distilled water or access to electricity.

  • Quiet operation: There is no motor or airflow noise.

  • Improved treatment compliance: Some patients find oral appliances easier to wear consistently than CPAP equipment.

How Do I Get a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis?

Before receiving a custom oral appliance, you will need a confirmed sleep apnea diagnosis. Start by discussing your symptoms with your primary care provider or a sleep medicine specialist. They may recommend a home sleep apnea test or an overnight sleep study at a sleep center. These tests monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, and other factors to determine whether you have sleep apnea and how severe it is.

Once diagnosed, we can work with your healthcare provider to determine whether a custom oral appliance is a suitable treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are oral appliances as effective as CPAP machines?

CPAP is generally more effective at reducing breathing interruptions, particularly in patients with severe sleep apnea. However, oral appliances can be an effective alternative for many patients with mild to moderate OSA.

How long does a sleep apnea oral appliance last?

With proper care, many custom oral appliances last several years or longer. Regular dental visits help us monitor the device's condition, fit, and effectiveness.

Does dental insurance cover sleep apnea appliances?

Some medical and dental insurance plans provide coverage for custom sleep apnea appliances. Coverage varies, so we recommend checking your benefits before beginning treatment.

Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?

Dentists can recognize signs of sleep apnea and help manage treatment, but a sleep study and diagnosis from a qualified medical provider are needed before oral appliance therapy begins.

Will my oral appliance stop snoring?

An oral appliance may reduce or eliminate snoring by helping keep your airway open during sleep. Results vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

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