Signature Smile Services

According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, if you experience any of the following signs, it may indicate a higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea:

• Loud or frequent snoring

• Observed pauses in breathing or gasping and choking during sleep

• Waking in the morning feeling unrefreshed

• Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness

• Morning headaches

• Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)

• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

CPAP therapy works by using a machine and mask to keep your airway open with air pressure while you sleep. Dental sleep therapy takes a different approach — instead of air pressure, it relies on a small, custom-fitted oral appliance that gently repositions your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open naturally.

Key Differences

• Comfort: Oral appliances are worn like a retainer or mouthguard, while CPAP requires a mask and machine.

• Convenience: Appliances are silent, portable, and travel easily, unlike bulky CPAP equipment.

• Consistency: Many patients find oral appliances easier to use every night, leading to better long-term success.

Dental sleep appliances are designed to be small, custom-fitted devices that reposition your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open during sleep. While there are many designs available, they all fall into two main categories:

• Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): The most common type, these gently move the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open.

• Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs): These hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from blocking the airway.

At Willard Dental, we partner with leading labs to provide custom appliances tailored to your comfort, bite, and lifestyle needs, ensuring a precise fit and long-term effectiveness.

Not every patient with sleep apnea is suited for dental sleep therapy, but many are excellent candidates — especially those who struggle with CPAP or who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. You may be a candidate if you have symptoms such as loud snoring, frequent awakenings, or daytime fatigue, and if a physician has diagnosed you with sleep apnea.

• Ideal for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea

• Helpful for those who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer a less invasive option

• Suitable for patients seeking a comfortable, travel-friendly solution

Consistently treating sleep apnea does more than improve sleep — it can transform your daily life and long-term health. When your airway stays open through the night, your body receives the oxygen and restorative rest it needs.”

• Wake up feeling rested and alert instead of groggy

• Experience more energy and focus during the day

• Reduce risks of serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke

• Improve mood, memory, and overall quality of life