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Sleep Apnea Treatment in Valley Village, CA
Better sleep, starting with your bite.
Dentists can treat mild-to-moderate sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance — a comfortable alternative to a CPAP machine. We’ll evaluate your bite and airway and create a device fitted just for you. Call (818) 766-7776.
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The dental connection to sleep apnea
Your Dentist Can Help You Breathe Better at Night
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues of the throat — including the tongue, soft palate, and throat walls — relax during sleep and repeatedly collapse, partially or completely blocking the airway. Each time this happens, your breathing stops until your brain rouses you just enough to reopen the airway. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, and most people have no memory of them in the morning.
The signs are often noticeable to a partner before the patient themselves: loud, irregular snoring, gasping or choking sounds during sleep, and witnessed breathing pauses. For the patient, the effects show up as excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, dry mouth, and unexplained irritability. Many people with untreated sleep apnea don’t connect their fatigue and cognitive fog to what’s happening while they sleep.
This is where dentistry intersects with sleep medicine in a meaningful way. The position of the lower jaw and tongue during sleep plays a direct role in airway patency. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) — a custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep — repositions the lower jaw slightly forward and holds the tongue away from the back of the throat, keeping the airway open without the need for a mask or machine. For patients with mild-to-moderate OSA or those who cannot tolerate CPAP, a MAD can be profoundly effective.
To receive a dental oral appliance for sleep apnea, you first need a formal sleep study and diagnosis from a physician or sleep specialist — we cannot diagnose OSA ourselves. However, once you have your diagnosis, we can fabricate a custom-fitted device based on precise impressions of your teeth. The appliance is adjusted over time to find the optimal jaw position for your airway. We work collaboratively with your sleep physician to ensure the therapy is effective and well-monitored.
Common Questions
What patients ask about sleep apnea treatment
Can a dentist really treat sleep apnea?
Yes — dentists who are trained in dental sleep medicine can provide oral appliance therapy for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. We cannot diagnose sleep apnea (that requires a sleep study and a physician), but once you have a diagnosis, we can fabricate a custom-fitted mandibular advancement device that repositions the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. This is a recognized, evidence-based treatment endorsed by major sleep medicine organizations.
What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom-fitted appliance that looks similar to a sports mouthguard or a retainer. It fits over your upper and lower teeth and holds your lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep. This repositioning keeps the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the throat, preventing the airway obstruction that causes apnea events. It's small, portable, and silent — a significant contrast to a CPAP machine for many patients.
Do I need a CPAP machine instead?
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the gold standard for severe sleep apnea and is highly effective when tolerated. However, many patients find CPAP uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or disruptive to their sleep — and compliance rates are low as a result. For mild-to-moderate OSA, an oral appliance is an equally effective and widely accepted alternative. For CPAP-intolerant patients with more severe apnea, an oral appliance may be used as a compromise option in consultation with their sleep physician.
How do I get a sleep apnea diagnosis?
A sleep apnea diagnosis requires a sleep study — either an in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) or a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) ordered by your physician. The study measures your breathing, oxygen levels, brain activity, and other parameters during sleep. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, start by talking to your primary care physician or ask us for a referral to a sleep specialist. Once you have your diagnosis and an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) score, we can determine whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate for you.
Is a dental oral appliance covered by insurance?
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is often covered by medical insurance — not dental insurance — when a proper diagnosis has been established and medical necessity is documented. Coverage varies by plan. Our team will work with you to understand your benefits, obtain pre-authorization if required, and navigate the billing process. Many patients are surprised to find that their medical plan covers a significant portion of the cost.
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NEW PATIENT SPECIAL
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Comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, personalized treatment plan, and your first professional cleaning, built for patients who want time, transparency, and zero pressure.
- ✓60-minute consultation with your doctor
- ✓Full mouth digital exam + low-radiation X-rays
- ✓Personalized treatment plan with transparent pricing
- ✓Professional cleaning, fluoride-free
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AREAS WE SERVE
Holistic care for the greater San Fernando Valley.
Our Valley Village office is conveniently located on Magnolia Blvd, easily reached from any of these neighborhoods.
Ready to sleep through the night?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or think you may have it, let’s talk. Call us in Valley Village at (818) 766-7776 or book a consultation online.