Are you constantly waking up tired, snoring loudly, or told you stop breathing at night? You may be experiencing sleep apnea – one of the most common yet underdiagnosed sleep disorders. The good news is that oral appliances for sleep apnea Mansfield patients prefer offer a comfortable alternative to CPAP and can help you breathe freely throughout the night.
At 360 Dental Lounge in Mansfield, we help patients understand their treatment options and choose an appliance that aligns with their comfort, lifestyle, and sleep goals.
Why Many Patients Choose Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Oral appliances are small, custom-made devices you wear only at night. They gently reposition your jaw or tongue to keep your airway open – reducing snoring, improving oxygen flow, and helping you enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep.
They are ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- People who struggle to tolerate CPAP
- Patients who want a travel-friendly, quiet, and non-invasive solution
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
Step 1: Sleep Assessment & Evaluation
Your visit begins with a complete sleep and health evaluation. If you haven’t had a sleep study yet, we help coordinate it with a sleep physician.
Step 2: Dental & Jaw Examination
We check your bite alignment, jaw movement, and overall oral health to determine your suitability for an oral appliance.
Step 3: Custom Impressions & Device Selection
Using digital scans or impressions, we design a device personalized to your jaw structure for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Step 4: Fitting, Adjustments & Instructions
Once your appliance is ready, we ensure a perfect fit, adjust it for comfort, and guide you on how to use it nightly.
Step 5: Follow-Up Care & Sleep Improvement Monitoring
We schedule regular check-ins to fine-tune the appliance and track your progress along with your sleep specialist.
Types of Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
Advances the lower jaw slightly to keep the airway from collapsing.
Best for: mild to moderate OSA and chronic snorers.
Tongue-Retaining Devices
Holds the tongue in a forward position to maintain airflow.
Best for: patients with limited jaw movement or unsuitable for MADs.
Advanced Custom Devices
Combination-style devices that provide added comfort, durability, and precision.
Benefits of Using Oral Appliances
- No hoses, noise, or masks
- Comfortable, small, and easy to travel with
- Reduces snoring significantly
- Helps improve daytime alertness
- Often better long-term compliance compared to CPAP
- Custom-made for your bite and comfort
What to Expect During the First Few Weeks
It’s completely normal to experience mild jaw soreness, extra salivation, or dry mouth. These symptoms typically fade as you adapt to the device. With proper adjustments and consistent use, most patients experience improved sleep, reduced snoring, and more energy during the day.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
You may benefit from an oral appliance if you:
- Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA
- Struggle with CPAP discomfort
- Prefer a less invasive, more portable solution
- Want to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality
If you have severe sleep apnea, a combined therapy approach may be recommended.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing Options
Every patient’s situation is unique, and costs vary depending on the type of appliance and required follow-ups.
Some medical insurance plans may cover oral appliances when prescribed for sleep apnea. At 360 Dental Lounge, we help verify benefits and offer financing options to make treatment more accessible.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sleep Apnea Appliance
- Select a dental provider trained in sleep apnea therapies
- Make sure your device is custom-made, not store-bought
- Ask about follow-up sleep testing to verify results
- Choose a clinic that collaborates with sleep physicians
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
It’s a custom dental device worn at night to reposition the jaw or tongue, keeping the airway open during sleep.
Are oral appliances as effective as CPAP?
CPAP is the gold standard for severe OSA, but many mild-to-moderate patients achieve excellent results with oral appliances, especially those who can’t tolerate CPAP.
How long until I see improvement?
Many patients feel more rested within 2–4 weeks of nightly use.
Will it hurt my jaw or teeth?
Some temporary soreness is normal, but proper adjustments and regular follow-ups prevent long-term issues.
Does 360 Dental Lounge offer sleep apnea treatment?
Yes. We provide evaluations, custom appliances, and ongoing monitoring for residents of Mansfield, TX, and nearby areas.
Ready to Sleep Better? Take the Next Step.
If snoring or sleep apnea is affecting your rest, mood, or daily energy, you don’t have to live with it.
Call 360 Dental Lounge at (682) 888-0488 or schedule your consultation online today.
Better sleep and better health can start tonight.
