If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea but struggle to use your CPAP machine, you are not alone. Many patients find CPAP difficult to tolerate. A custom oral appliance is a comfortable, AASM-recommended alternative sleep disorder treatment that keeps your airway open during sleep without a mask, hose, or machine.
At South Bay TMJ, Sleep, Headache & Orofacial Pain Institute, our AASM-accredited Dental Sleep Medicine Department specializes in fitting custom oral appliances for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.
CPAP is effective, but only if you use it, and that is where many patients struggle. Studies suggest up to half of CPAP users do not use the machine as prescribed.
When patients stop using CPAP, their sleep apnea goes untreated, putting them back at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and daytime sleepiness.
Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Severe sleep apnea in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Anyone who prefers a simpler, more portable option.
A follow-up home sleep study confirms how well it is working and that your breathing and oxygen have improved.
Dr. Paul Grin and Dr. Eric Grin are Diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain with advanced training in dental sleep medicine.
We work with your referring physician or sleep specialist, so your care stays coordinated.
Our team works with your insurance to verify benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs. See insurance & financing.
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances are a recognized first-line treatment by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. For patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliances are the recommended alternative. A follow-up sleep study confirms that the appliance is effectively managing your condition.
CPAP is the preferred first treatment for severe sleep apnea. However, if you truly cannot tolerate CPAP despite trying different masks and settings, the AASM recommends oral appliance therapy as an alternative. The key is that your treatment must be verified with a follow-up sleep study to ensure your breathing is adequately controlled.
Most medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea when prescribed by a qualified provider. Medicare also covers this treatment. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins. We are in-network with most major insurance plans.
Most patients adjust to their oral appliance within a few nights. Because it is custom-made to fit your teeth, it is much more comfortable than store-bought options. Some mild jaw soreness or excess saliva is normal during the first few days and resolves quickly.
While a referral is helpful, you can also call our office directly. If you have existing sleep study results, bring them to your appointment. If you need a sleep study, we can help arrange one. We coordinate with your referring physician throughout the treatment process.
Board-Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist · Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain · Assistant Professor, UCLA
Schedule your evaluation with our board-certified orofacial pain specialists and start your path to lasting recovery.
We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.