At Complete Health Dentistry of Park Ridge, we understand how much sleep apnea can affect your rest, energy, and overall wellness. Through dental sleep medicine, we provide custom oral appliance therapy to help manage obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. These small, quiet devices may also be an option for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.
As part of our comprehensive dental care in Park Ridge, we consider how the teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway can affect breathing during sleep. Dr. Mark Kuchta evaluates these areas and creates custom ProSomnus® or Vivos® appliances based on each patient’s needs.
Dr. Kuchta also coordinates care with sleep physicians, who diagnose sleep apnea and monitor treatment results. Together, we can help you work toward easier breathing and more restful sleep.
Why Some Patients Consider CPAP Alternatives
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, some patients have trouble using the machine every night. Common concerns include:
- Mask discomfort or air leaks
- Noise from the machine
- Dry mouth or nasal irritation
- Difficulty sleeping with the equipment
- The inconvenience of traveling with a machine
When CPAP is not used as prescribed, sleep apnea may remain poorly controlled. This can contribute to daytime fatigue and raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
As part of our approach to preventative dental care, we consider how sleep and breathing may affect overall wellness. For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, a custom oral appliance may provide a smaller and more comfortable treatment option. Dr. Kuchta works with sleep physicians to determine when oral appliance therapy may be appropriate.
How Oral Appliances Work
In dental sleep medicine, custom oral appliances are used to support easier breathing during sleep. Most gently move the lower jaw forward. This helps prevent the tongue and soft tissues from blocking the airway.
Each appliance is made to fit your mouth and is usually worn only at night. Compared with a CPAP machine, an oral appliance:
- Works quietly
- Does not require electricity or tubing
- Fits easily into a travel case
- Is simple to clean and maintain
These features can make treatment easier to use each night. Oral appliance therapy may be appropriate when it is prescribed by a sleep physician and provided by a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine.
Finding an Oral Appliance That Fits Your Needs
No single sleep apnea appliance is right for everyone. As part of dental sleep medicine care, Dr. Kuchta considers your diagnosis, airway, bite, comfort, and sleep physician’s recommendations.
At Complete Health Dentistry of Park Ridge, we offer ProSomnus® and Vivos® appliances. Dr. Kuchta will explain the differences and help select a device that supports your prescribed treatment.
Comfortable Nighttime Care With ProSomnus®
If bulky sleep equipment has been difficult to use, a ProSomnus® appliance may offer a more comfortable option. It gently moves the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open while you sleep.
Each appliance is custom-made for a secure, low-profile fit. It is also small, quiet, and convenient for travel. These features can make treatment easier to include in your nightly routine.
Breathing Support With Vivos®
A Vivos® appliance may be considered when a narrow dental arch, limited tongue space, or jaw position contributes to breathing problems during sleep. The custom device supports the position of the teeth, jaws, and tongue.
Dr. Kuchta offers DNA and mRNA appliances. The right option depends on your age, sleep diagnosis, oral structures, and treatment needs. Depending on the appliance, you may wear it at night or for set periods during the day.
Vivos® treatment may be considered for patients with:
- Snoring or disrupted nighttime breathing
- Poor sleep and daytime tiredness
- Limited space for the tongue
- A narrow dental arch
- Difficulty using another prescribed treatment
As part of your dental sleep medicine evaluation, Dr. Kuchta examines your bite, jaw position, and oral structures. He also coordinates with your sleep physician to ensure the appliance fits your overall sleep apnea care plan.
What to Expect From Oral Appliance Therapy
Your treatment is planned around your diagnosis, comfort, and breathing needs. Here is what you can expect:
1. Complimentary Consultation
We discuss your sleep symptoms, concerns, and treatment goals. We also review any sleep study results or previous diagnoses.
2. Coordination With a Sleep Physician
Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. If you do not have a diagnosis, we can refer you for testing. We can also coordinate care with your current physician.
3. Digital Scans and Records
We take digital scans and other records needed to plan your treatment. These details help us create an appliance that fits your mouth.
4. Custom Appliance Creation
A dental lab uses your records to make your appliance. Each device is created for a secure and comfortable fit.
5. Fitting and Adjustments
When your appliance is ready, we check its fit and show you how to use and clean it. We can make adjustments to improve your comfort and support your treatment goals.
6. Follow-Up Care
Regular visits allow us to check your progress, comfort, bite, and appliance. Your sleep physician may also recommend another sleep study to determine how well treatment is controlling your sleep apnea.
Could an Oral Appliance Help You?
Oral appliance therapy may be an option if you need a small, comfortable device to support your breathing during sleep. It is often considered for:
- Adults diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Patients who have difficulty using CPAP as prescribed
- People whose sleep physician recommends another treatment option
- Frequent travelers who need a portable device
- People diagnosed with snoring that is not caused by sleep apnea
During your dental sleep medicine evaluation, Dr. Kuchta will examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw joints. He will also review your sleep diagnosis and coordinate with your sleep physician. Together, they can determine whether an oral appliance is appropriate for you.
What Results Can You Expect?
The goal of oral appliance therapy is to improve airflow and reduce breathing interruptions while you sleep. Results vary, but successful treatment may lead to:
- Quieter, more restful sleep
- Less frequent or less disruptive snoring
- More energy and focus during the day
- Fewer morning headaches
- Less disruption for a bed partner
Feeling better is important, but symptoms alone cannot show whether treatment is working. Follow-up care and sleep testing can measure your progress and determine whether the appliance is controlling your sleep apnea. If needed, Dr. Kuchta can adjust the device and coordinate next steps with your sleep physician.
Insurance and Financing Options
Oral appliance therapy is typically covered by medical insurance—not dental—because it treats a medical condition. Our team will help verify your benefits and handle the documentation needed for reimbursement.
We offer financing options for those without insurance or high deductibles to make treatment affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for Better Sleep? Book Your Consultation Today
If you’re tired of struggling with a CPAP machine or are looking for a better way to manage your sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy might be the right fit for you.
Call Complete Health Dentistry of Park Ridge at (847) 696-3240 to schedule your complimentary consultation—better sleep and better health start here.
