Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
A Better Night’s Sleep Without the Mask
For many patients, oral appliances offer the freedom and simplicity that make consistent treatment actually achievable. There are no masks, no hoses, no electricity required, and no noise to disturb you or your partner. You can travel easily, and many patients find oral appliances far more comfortable and less intrusive than CPAP machines. Compliance rates are significantly higher because the therapy fits naturally into your life.
What sets Planken Integrative Wellness apart is our comprehensive, integrative approach. We don’t just provide an appliance—we address the underlying factors contributing to your sleep-disordered breathing.
Oral appliance therapy works beautifully in conjunction with myofunctional therapy, which retrains the muscles of the tongue, mouth, and throat to function correctly. Together, these treatments target both the structural and functional causes of sleep apnea, giving you the best possible outcomes for long-term health.
What Are Oral Appliances?
Oral appliances are small, custom-made devices worn in your mouth while sleeping.
It opens the airway by gently moving the lower jaw and tongue to prevent the airway from collapsing, causing sleep apnea.
These appliances are tailor-made to your anatomy, so they are comfortable to wear.
It’s also easy to use. There’s no mask or loud equipment, just a custom-fit for your mouth.
How Oral Appliances Work
Oral appliances work by:
Repositioning the lower jaw to prevent airway collapse
Stabilizing the tongue to prevent it from falling back into the throat
Improving airflow to reduce snoring and interruptions in breathing
This small adjustment keeps your airway open, which stops snoring, lets you breathe effortlessly, and sleep better.
Oral appliances are crafted from durable, medical-grade materials that are lightweight and safe for long-term use.
The devices are custom-made for each patient to provide an exact fit.
First, we’ll create molds of your teeth in our office. These molds are sent to a dental lab that specializes type of dental appliances.
After a quick fitting, your device is yours to take home.
There’s nothing to learn or train for—most patients find the appliance simple to use and see relief from sleep apnea symptoms within just a few days.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
The Process of Receiving an Oral Appliance
We make it easy to get your oral appliance.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Planken to talk about your symptoms.
From there, we’ll recommend an at-home sleep test you can do from the comfort of your own home.
We can fit you for an oral appliance once we confirm your test results and receive a sleep apnea diagnosis from a sleep physician.
In a few short weeks, you’ll have your device and start sleeping and feeling better.
How to Take Care of Your Oral Appliance
Taking care of your device is important to ensure it supports your oral health.
Clean the appliance daily with lukewarm water, using a toothbrush to scrub it with a non-abrasive soap.
Avoid hot water because high temperatures may warp the appliance.
Store it in the case we provide to protect the device when not in use.
You can also bring the appliance to appointments so we can inspect it and clean it.
Do not eat or chew while wearing the device.
Oral Appliance FAQs
Will Oral Appliances Work for Me if I Have Severe Sleep Apnea?
Oral appliances can be used to treat severe sleep apnea, often alongside additional treatment methods.
Will the Oral Appliance Impact My Teeth or Jaw?
Oral appliances are safe for long-term use as long as you clean and monitor the device regularly.
How Long Does an Oral Appliance Last?
Most appliances last three to five years with proper care. Regular inspections ensure they are still effective.
Can I Still Use an Oral Appliance if I Wear Dentures?
Yes—there are options we can tailor to your unique needs.
Contact Planken Integrative Wellness
Oral appliance therapy is a great solution to treat your sleep apnea issues.
Contact us today to start the process of receiving an oral appliance to improve your sleep and health.