Improve Nighttime Breathing Without CPAP Machines

Sleep apnea treatment using custom oral appliances available at Gabrielle Dental in Valley Cottage, New York.

You may wake up feeling exhausted even after a full night in bed, or your partner might mention that you stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. Oral appliance therapy in Valley Cottage treats mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea by repositioning your jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep. Gabrielle Dental fabricates custom appliances in-house using 3D printing technology, allowing for precise fit and faster turnaround compared to lab-dependent methods.

The appliance looks similar to a sports mouthguard and is worn only at night. It gently shifts your lower jaw forward, preventing the soft tissue at the back of your throat from collapsing and blocking airflow. This approach offers an alternative to CPAP for qualifying patients who find masks uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate. Custom appliances are fabricated for comfort and precision, reducing the likelihood of jaw soreness or poor compliance.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and want to try an oral appliance in Valley Cottage, contact Gabrielle Dental to discuss your options.

Jaw Repositioning Keeps Your Airway Open All Night

When you come in for your initial visit in Valley Cottage, your dentist will take impressions or digital scans of your teeth and evaluate your bite to determine the correct positioning for your appliance. The device is then designed and printed in-house, allowing for adjustments to be made quickly if needed. You will return for a fitting to ensure the appliance is comfortable and functioning as intended.

After you begin wearing the appliance nightly, you will notice that you wake up feeling more rested, and any snoring or gasping episodes that occurred before will be significantly reduced. Improves airflow and nighttime breathing support by keeping the tongue and soft palate from obstructing the throat.

This treatment works best for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who do not have severe structural airway issues. If your apnea is more advanced, your dentist may refer you back to your sleep physician for additional evaluation. The appliance should be cleaned daily and checked periodically to ensure it continues to fit properly as your teeth or jaw alignment changes over time.

Understanding How Appliances Work Helps You Decide

Patients often ask how oral appliances compare to CPAP, whether they will feel uncomfortable, and how long it takes to notice improvement in their sleep quality.

How does an oral appliance compare to CPAP therapy?
Oral appliances are quieter, more portable, and easier to tolerate for many patients. CPAP is generally more effective for severe apnea, but oral appliances work well for mild to moderate cases.
What will I notice after I start using the appliance?
You should feel more rested in the morning, and any loud snoring or breathing pauses will decrease. Some people notice improvement within the first week, while others may take a few weeks to adjust.
Why is the appliance custom-made instead of universal?
A custom fit ensures the appliance positions your jaw correctly without causing discomfort or shifting during the night. Generic devices often fail to provide consistent results or fall out while you sleep.
When is oral appliance therapy not recommended?
If you have severe sleep apnea, significant jaw issues, or very loose teeth, an oral appliance may not be appropriate. Your dentist will review your sleep study results and medical history before proceeding.
How long does the appliance last?
With proper care, most appliances last three to five years. You should bring it to your dental appointments in Valley Cottage so your dentist can check for wear or fit changes.

If you struggle with CPAP or have been newly diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may offer the nighttime breathing support you need without bulky equipment. Gabrielle Dental provides custom-fabricated appliances in Valley Cottage using advanced 3D printing for precision and comfort. Get in touch to schedule a consultation.