Sleep Apnea Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
If you snore loudly, wake up exhausted, or have been told you stop breathing at night, you may have obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Elaine Gorelik and the team at Trident Dentistry offer comfortable oral appliance therapy that opens the airway and helps you sleep, often without the bulky CPAP machine.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues of the throat, the tongue, or the jaw position partially or completely block the upper airway during sleep. Your breathing muscles have to work harder to pull air through the narrowed passage, which creates the loud snoring, choking, or gasping sounds associated with apnea. Each pause in breathing briefly wakes the brain, fragmenting sleep throughout the night, often without you realizing it.
Left untreated, sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and an increased risk of drowsy-driving accidents. Because dentists see the mouth, jaw, and airway at every visit, we’re often among the first to notice the warning signs.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing reported by a bed partner
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Irritability, mood changes, or depression
- Worn teeth from nighttime grinding, which can accompany airway problems
If you notice signs of teeth grinding or jaw pain alongside snoring, mention it at your next dental exam.
CPAP vs. Oral Appliance Therapy
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often prescribed for OSA. It uses a machine to push a steady flow of air through a hose and mask to keep the airway open. While effective, many patients struggle with the mask, the hose, and the noise, and end up not using it consistently.
The providers at Trident Dentistry have teamed with the experts at Sleep Group Solutions to offer intraoral appliances that relieve OSA symptoms without the bulk, noise, and discomfort of CPAP. For many patients, an oral appliance is easier to wear every night, which is the key to successful treatment.
How an Oral Appliance Works
An oral appliance fits over your teeth like a mouthguard and gently holds your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. This keeps the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway and allows air to flow freely through the nose and throat. Options include slim designs with thinner centerpieces that leave more room for the tongue and allow side-to-side jaw movement.
One option we offer is the nocturnal oral airway dilator (NORAD), an FDA-approved device for snoring and sleep apnea. NORAD is a “boil and fit” appliance, so there’s no waiting for custom lab fabrication, and its low-profile design makes it easier for many patients to adjust to.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Effective?
Many patients who switch from CPAP report that their oral appliance relieves symptoms just as well and is far easier to live with. Patients often find they adapt to an appliance within a few nights. We’ll monitor your comfort, jaw health, and bite over time, and we coordinate with your physician to confirm your treatment is working. Our digital X-rays and intraoral cameras help us evaluate your teeth and jaw before fitting your device.
Related Care at Our Office
Healthy sleep is part of a healthy mouth. We also treat gum disease, tooth decay, and bite misalignment with Invisalign®. Explore all dental conditions we treat or review our payment options.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Yes. Dentists can provide oral appliance therapy for many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. Diagnosis is typically confirmed with a sleep study ordered by a physician.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches are common signs. A sleep study is the only way to confirm a diagnosis.
Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?
For many patients with mild to moderate OSA, an oral appliance provides comparable symptom relief, and patients tend to use it more consistently because it is more comfortable.
What is a NORAD device?
The nocturnal oral airway dilator (NORAD) is an FDA-approved boil-and-fit oral appliance for snoring and sleep apnea that gently repositions the jaw to keep the airway open.
Will an oral appliance stop my snoring?
In most cases, yes. By holding the jaw forward and keeping the airway open, oral appliances significantly reduce or eliminate snoring for many patients.
Are there side effects of oral appliance therapy?
Some patients notice mild jaw soreness, excess saliva, or temporary bite changes when they first begin. We monitor your bite and comfort at follow-up visits.
How do I get started with sleep apnea treatment?
Call Trident Dentistry at (310) 444-1445 to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your teeth, jaw, and airway and coordinate with your physician as needed.
Start Sleeping Better Tonight
Don’t let sleep apnea drain your energy and health. Call Trident Dentistry at (310) 444-1445 or request an appointment online to find out if an oral appliance is right for you.