Snoring or Sleep Apnea? How a Los Angeles Dentist Can Help With Oral Appliance Therapy
Quick answer
Loud, frequent snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a medical condition in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. It must be diagnosed with a sleep study. For appropriate patients, a dentist with the right training can provide a custom oral appliance that moves the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open.
Key takeaways
- Snoring is common, but loud snoring with pauses in breathing, gasping, or daytime sleepiness can signal obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Sleep apnea is a medical diagnosis made with a sleep study, not by a dentist alone.
- Oral appliance therapy uses a custom device that repositions the lower jaw to help keep the airway open.
- It can be an option for some patients, including some who cannot tolerate CPAP.
- Dr. Sahar Moeini coordinates with your physician or sleep specialist at our Miracle Mile office.
If you have been told you snore, or you wake up tired no matter how long you sleep, it may be worth a closer look. Snoring can be harmless, but it can also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. At Solace Dentistry in Los Angeles, Dr. Sahar Moeini provides oral appliance therapy for appropriate patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or disruptive snoring.
Is snoring the same as sleep apnea?
Not always. Snoring happens when relaxed tissues in the throat vibrate as air moves past them. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different: the airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, reducing or briefly stopping airflow. Many people with OSA snore loudly, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Because the two can sound alike, an evaluation is important before treating snoring on its own.
What are the warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea?
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Pauses in breathing noticed by a partner
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Morning headaches or a dry mouth on waking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or trouble concentrating
- Restless sleep or waking often during the night
Untreated sleep apnea has been linked with other health concerns, so these signs are worth discussing with a physician. Mention them at your dental visit too, since your dentist may notice related signs such as teeth grinding.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis, usually through a sleep study ordered by a physician. Depending on your situation, that may be an overnight study in a sleep center or a home sleep test. The results show whether you have sleep apnea and how severe it is, which guides the recommended treatment.
If you have symptoms but have not been diagnosed, our team can talk through next steps and coordinate with a physician or sleep specialist when necessary.
How does oral appliance therapy work?
An oral appliance for sleep apnea is a custom device worn during sleep, similar in feel to a sports mouthguard or retainer. It gently positions the lower jaw forward, which helps prevent the airway from narrowing or collapsing. These devices are often called mandibular advancement devices.
At Solace Dentistry, sleep apnea treatment is personalized. The appliance is made for your mouth, and follow-up visits allow adjustments for comfort and fit.
Oral appliance or CPAP: what is the difference?
| CPAP | Oral appliance therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Pressurized air through a mask keeps the airway open | A custom dental device repositions the lower jaw |
| What you wear | A mask connected to a machine by a hose | A small appliance that fits over your teeth |
| Portability | Needs the machine and power | Compact and easy to travel with |
| Who prescribes it | A physician | Made by a trained dentist for patients with a diagnosis, often in coordination with a physician |
The right choice depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your sleep apnea, and your physician's recommendations. Oral appliances can be an option for some patients, including some who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Who may be a good candidate for an oral appliance?
Candidacy depends on your sleep study results, medical recommendations, and your oral health. Healthy teeth and gums help an appliance fit and stay secure. Dr. Moeini also checks your jaw joints and bite, since the appliance works by positioning the jaw. Her training in airway health, TMJ disorders, and occlusion informs how she evaluates each case.
Sleep apnea and snoring care in Miracle Mile
Solace Dentistry is located at 5757 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 660, in SAG-AFTRA Plaza in the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles, near the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. We welcome patients from Miracle Mile, West Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown Los Angeles, and surrounding communities. If snoring or poor sleep is affecting you or your partner, call (323) 930-2386 or book online to talk with Dr. Moeini about oral appliance therapy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a sleep apnea appliance without a sleep study?
Sleep apnea should be properly diagnosed before treatment. If you have symptoms but no diagnosis, Solace Dentistry can discuss next steps and coordinate with a physician or sleep specialist.
Will an oral appliance stop my snoring?
Oral appliances may reduce snoring in appropriate patients by helping keep the airway open. Because snoring can also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, an evaluation is important before starting treatment.
Are over-the-counter anti-snoring devices a good idea?
Store-bought devices are not custom fitted, and treating snoring without an evaluation can leave sleep apnea undiagnosed. A professionally made appliance is fitted to your mouth and adjusted over time.
Is oral appliance therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Sleep apnea treatment may involve medical rather than dental benefits depending on your plan. Our team can help you understand what information is available and discuss payment options, including CareCredit.
How long does it take to get an oral appliance?
Timing depends on your evaluation, any records needed, and fabrication of the custom device. Dr. Moeini will explain the steps and schedule at your consultation.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. For advice about your own teeth, gums, jaw, or sleep, schedule a visit with Solace Dentistry at 5757 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90036, or call (323) 930-2386.
