What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder that occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to become partially or completely blocked. These repeated breathing interruptions reduce oxygen levels and force your brain to briefly wake you throughout the night—often without you realizing it.
Many people with sleep apnea believe they're getting a full night's sleep, yet continue to feel exhausted during the day because their sleep is repeatedly interrupted.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory problems, depression, and increased daytime fatigue.
At Skowronski Family Dentistry, we focus on providing comfortable, conservative oral appliance therapy for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Many patients don't realize they have sleep apnea until a spouse or family member notices their symptoms.
Common warning signs include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Pauses in breathing while sleeping
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Irritability or mood changes
- Waking frequently during the night
- Poor quality sleep
- Fatigue despite sleeping for several hours
If you experience several of these symptoms, a professional sleep evaluation is recommended.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea develops when the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep. Several factors may increase your risk.
Relaxed Airway Muscles
As you sleep, the muscles supporting your tongue and throat naturally relax. In some individuals, these tissues collapse enough to restrict airflow.
Jaw and Airway Anatomy
The size and position of your jaw, tongue, and airway can influence your risk of airway obstruction during sleep.
Excess Weight
Additional tissue around the neck and airway may contribute to airway narrowing during sleep.
Aging
Muscle tone naturally decreases with age, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse.
Family History
Genetics and inherited facial structures may increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
Why Sleep Apnea Should Never Be Ignored
Sleep apnea affects far more than your sleep.
Without treatment, obstructive sleep apnea may increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Workplace and driving accidents
- Reduced concentration
- Memory impairment
Because these risks extend beyond oral health, treating sleep apnea is an investment in your overall well-being.
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
A definitive diagnosis requires a sleep study prescribed by a qualified physician.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, your physician may recommend:
- Home sleep apnea testing
- An overnight sleep study (polysomnography)
- Medical evaluation of your symptoms
- Review of your medical history
Once you've received a diagnosis, our dental team can determine whether oral appliance therapy is an appropriate treatment option based on your physician's recommendations and your individual needs.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
For many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea—or those who cannot comfortably tolerate CPAP therapy—a custom oral appliance offers an effective alternative.
An oral appliance is a small, comfortable device worn while sleeping. It gently repositions the lower jaw to help keep the airway open throughout the night.
Unlike bulky CPAP equipment, oral appliances are:
- Small and portable
- Quiet during use
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to travel with
- Simple to clean
- Custom designed for your bite
Because each appliance is fabricated specifically for your mouth, it provides a secure fit while promoting improved airflow during sleep.
Patients interested in learning more about appliance-based therapy can also explore our Oral Appliance Therapy page.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Many patients experience significant improvements after beginning treatment.
Potential benefits include:
- Reduced snoring
- Improved sleep quality
- Increased daytime energy
- Better concentration
- Fewer morning headaches
- More restful sleep for both patients and their partners
- Greater comfort compared to CPAP for qualifying patients
- Improved long-term health outcomes when used as prescribed
Because every patient responds differently, your treatment will be carefully monitored to ensure optimal results.
What to Expect During Treatment
Comprehensive Consultation
We'll review your medical history, sleep study results, symptoms, and oral health to determine whether oral appliance therapy is right for you.
Digital Records and Impressions
Using modern digital technology, we'll capture precise records to fabricate your custom appliance.
Learn more about the technology we use by visiting our Advanced Technology page.
Appliance Delivery
Once your appliance is complete, we'll ensure it fits comfortably and provide detailed instructions for proper use and care.
Follow-Up Adjustments
Regular follow-up visits allow us to make precise adjustments for comfort and effectiveness while coordinating care with your physician when appropriate.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Most patients receive their custom oral appliance within a few weeks after impressions or digital scans are completed.
Many patients begin noticing improvements in snoring and sleep quality shortly after starting therapy, although treatment success varies depending on the severity of sleep apnea and patient compliance.
Long-term follow-up helps ensure your appliance continues providing optimal results.
Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
The cost of treatment depends on several factors, including:
- Type of oral appliance
- Diagnostic requirements
- Insurance coverage
- Medical benefits
- Follow-up care
Many medical insurance plans provide benefits for qualified sleep apnea treatment. Our team will review your benefits and discuss financing options, including CareCredit, when appropriate.
Risks and Limitations
Oral appliance therapy is a conservative, non-invasive treatment, but it may not be appropriate for every patient.
Some individuals may experience temporary jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, or bite changes during the adjustment period. These symptoms are typically mild and can often be managed with appliance adjustments.
Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea may achieve better results with CPAP therapy or a combination of treatments recommended by their physician.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy if you:
- Have been diagnosed with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Cannot tolerate CPAP therapy
- Travel frequently
- Prefer a smaller treatment option
- Have chronic snoring associated with sleep-disordered breathing
- Want a comfortable, customized solution
Every patient receives an individualized evaluation before treatment is recommended.
Who May Not Be a Candidate?
Oral appliance therapy may not be appropriate for patients with:
- Certain severe airway conditions
- Untreated dental disease
- Significant jaw instability
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Severe obstructive sleep apnea requiring alternative medical treatment
Our team will work closely with your physician to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Oral Appliance Therapy vs. CPAP
Both CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy are effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, but each offers unique advantages.
CPAP remains the gold standard for many patients with severe sleep apnea because it delivers continuous air pressure to keep the airway open.
Oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, portable alternative for appropriately selected patients, particularly those with mild to moderate sleep apnea or individuals who struggle with CPAP compliance.
Our goal is not to replace medical care but to provide an effective dental treatment option when clinically appropriate.
Additional Treatment Considerations
Many patients with sleep apnea also experience teeth grinding or jaw discomfort during sleep. Addressing these concerns together may improve comfort and overall oral health.
Patients experiencing jaw pain can learn more about our TMJ Treatment services.
If damaged teeth require rehabilitation due to chronic grinding, our Restorative Dentistry services can help restore strength and function.
Why Choose Skowronski Family Dentistry?
Since 1983, Skowronski Family Dentistry has been committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care built on honesty, continuing education, and long-term relationships.
Our practice has extensive experience in dental sleep medicine and airway-focused care.
Dr. Raymond Skowronski Jr. has completed thousands of hours of continuing education and has advanced training in TMJ therapy, craniofacial pain, functional orthodontics, and dental sleep medicine. Together with Dr. Deanna Skowronski and Dr. Nicholas Goza, our team provides personalized care using modern technology and evidence-based treatment planning.
We work collaboratively with physicians and sleep specialists to help patients achieve healthier sleep and improved quality of life.
Serving Sterling Heights and Nearby Communities
Skowronski Family Dentistry proudly provides sleep apnea treatment for patients from:
- Sterling Heights
- Warren
- Troy
- Shelby Township
- Clinton Township
- Utica
- Fraser
- Macomb County
- The greater Detroit metropolitan area
Whether you've recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or are searching for an alternative to CPAP therapy, our experienced team is here to help.
Ready to get started? Book an Appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Dentists who have training in dental sleep medicine can provide custom oral appliance therapy for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and determined to be appropriate candidates. Treatment is often provided in collaboration with a physician or sleep specialist.
Is oral appliance therapy as effective as CPAP?
CPAP remains the most effective treatment for many patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea. However, oral appliance therapy is highly effective for many patients with mild to moderate OSA and for those who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Do I need a sleep study before treatment?
Yes. A sleep study performed through a physician or sleep specialist is typically required to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and determine the severity of your condition before oral appliance therapy is recommended.
Will an oral appliance stop snoring?
Many patients experience a significant reduction in snoring because the appliance helps maintain an open airway during sleep. Results vary depending on the underlying cause of snoring and the severity of airway obstruction.
How long does an oral appliance last?
With proper care and regular follow-up visits, many custom oral appliances last several years. Periodic adjustments or replacement may be recommended depending on wear and changes in your oral health.
Is oral appliance therapy comfortable?
Because each appliance is custom fabricated for your teeth and bite, most patients find it comfortable and easy to wear after a brief adjustment period.
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation
Better sleep can improve every aspect of your life—from your energy level and focus to your long-term health.
If you've been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or are looking for a comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy, Skowronski Family Dentistry is here to help.
Call (586) 991-3516 today or request an appointment to learn whether oral appliance therapy is right for you.