Sleep Apnea Treatment in Encinitas
A comfortable, quiet alternative to CPAP, with a custom oral appliance.
McElroy Smiles in Encinitas treats snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with custom oral appliance therapy, a comfortable, quiet alternative to CPAP. Worn while you sleep, the appliance keeps your airway open. We work alongside your sleep physician, who makes the diagnosis, so your treatment is coordinated and safe
What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common medical condition in which the airway is briefly blocked during sleep, interrupting your breathing. It is diagnosed by a sleep study, take-home or in-lab, ordered through a physician. Common signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping, morning headaches, dry mouth, and daytime drowsiness. If two or more sound familiar, we recommend seeing a sleep doctor for a diagnosis.
How does oral appliance therapy work?
Oral appliance therapy is the treatment we provide. We create a custom appliance, fitted to your mouth, that you wear as you sleep. It gently holds your jaw and tongue in a position that keeps your airway open, so your breathing stays steady through the night. For many patients who find CPAP loud or hard to tolerate, it is a welcome alternative.
How is it different from CPAP?
CPAP uses a mask and a machine that push a steady stream of air to keep the airway open, and it works well for many people, though some find it loud or hard to tolerate. An oral appliance is small, quiet, and easy to travel with, with nothing to plug in. Your physician helps determine which approach fits your diagnosis, and we coordinate with them on your care.
A dentist treats sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, a custom device worn during sleep, while the diagnosis itself comes from a physician through a sleep study. We provide the appliance and coordinate with your sleep doctor, so your care is safe and complete.
For many people with snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance is an effective and far more comfortable option, especially for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. Your physician's diagnosis guides which treatment is right, and we work with them to make the best choice for you.
Common signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping, morning headaches, dry mouth, and feeling tired during the day despite a full night of sleep. If two or more sound familiar, see a sleep doctor for a diagnosis. Once you have one, we can talk about whether an oral appliance is a fit.
Coverage varies, and oral appliances for sleep apnea are sometimes covered under medical rather than dental benefits. Call us at (760) 621-8700 and we will help you understand your options.
