― In-Office Treatment

Oral Appliance Therapy for TMJ and Sleep Apnea.

Board-Certified Specialists · Torrance, California · 32+ Years of Experience

One small, custom device worn at night can ease TMJ pain and teeth grinding, or keep your airway open in obstructive sleep apnea. It is a comfortable, non-surgical option, and for many patients an easier alternative to a CPAP machine.

Custom Dental Appliances

One custom device, two big problems solved.

Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-made device that fits over your teeth to treat TMJ disorders, teeth grinding, and obstructive sleep apnea. This treatment is comfortable, easy to use, and gives patients a non-surgical option, without surgery or bulky equipment like a CPAP machine.

At South Bay TMJ, Sleep, Headache & Orofacial Pain Institute, Dr. Eric Grin has advanced training in fitting custom oral appliances for both TMJ care and dental sleep medicine. Our Dental Sleep Medicine Department is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

The same kind of device protects a clenching jaw and props open a collapsing airway, but the design is different for each goal. The right one starts with the right diagnosis.

See what your first visit looks like →

― The Basics

What is oral appliance therapy?

An oral appliance is a small device, about the size of a retainer or sports mouth guard, that you wear while you sleep. Unlike store-bought options, a custom appliance is made from precise molds of your teeth, so it fits well and stays in place all night.

How it works depends on what it is treating:

For TMJ disorders. It keeps your upper and lower teeth from touching, relaxes the jaw muscles, reduces clenching, and spreads bite forces evenly to protect your joints and teeth.

For sleep apnea and snoring. A mandibular advancement device gently moves your lower jaw slightly forward. That pulls the base of the tongue forward too, keeping the airway open so you can breathe during sleep.

― Two Uses, One Approach

Built for two very different problems.

Find the path that matches what you are dealing with.

For TMJ disorders and clenching

An appliance can bring real relief, and it is often the first treatment recommended for TMJ disorders because it is non-invasive, reversible, and effective for many patients. It works especially well with physical therapy and stress management. It helps by:

Preventing teeth grinding and clenching during sleep
Reducing muscle tension in the jaw
Protecting teeth from wear caused by bruxism
Improving jaw alignment
Giving the TMJ disc and tissues a chance to heal

For sleep apnea and snoring

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when tissues at the back of the throat collapse during sleep, blocking the airway. That causes pauses in breathing, loud snoring, and poor sleep. Untreated, it raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. An oral appliance offers an effective, comfortable alternative to CPAP:

Related: Sleep apnea · CPAP alternatives

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliance therapy for mild to moderate sleep apnea, and for severe sleep apnea in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. CPAP works well, but studies suggest up to half of users do not use it as prescribed, which is where an appliance can make the difference between treated and untreated.

― The Evidence

What to expect, step by step.

From your first exam to long-term follow-up, here is how oral appliance therapy works at our office.

Evaluation

A thorough exam of your jaw, bite, and teeth. For sleep apnea, a sleep study (home or lab) confirms the diagnosis and severity.

Custom Impressions

Precise molds or digital scans of your teeth are sent to a specialized lab, where your appliance is made to fit your mouth exactly.

Fitting & Adjustment

Your doctor fits the appliance, adjusts it for comfort, and shows you how to place, remove, clean, and care for it.

Follow-Up

Follow-ups fine-tune the fit. For sleep apnea, a follow-up home sleep study measures the improvement in breathing and oxygen.

― Compare Your Options

Custom appliance vs. the alternatives.

Store-bought guards and CPAP both have a place, but they are not the same as a custom appliance from an orofacial pain specialist. Here is how they compare.

Custom Oral Appliance

Made from exact molds of your teeth
Stays in place all night
Designed for your specific condition (TMJ, bruxism, or sleep apnea)
A recognized medical treatment for sleep apnea
Comfortable, silent, and easy to travel with

Store-Bought Night Guard

CPAP Machine

For severe sleep apnea, CPAP is still considered the primary treatment. The best choice depends on your diagnosis and how well you tolerate each option.

― Safety

Risks and side effects.

Oral appliance therapy is generally very well tolerated. Some patients may notice:

Serious side effects are uncommon

With a properly fitted, custom device, serious side effects are uncommon. Your doctor monitors for any issues at follow-ups and adjusts the appliance as needed.

― FAQ

Common questions about Oral Appliance therapy.

Practical answers from our board-certified specialists. These questions come directly from patients we see at the clinic.

How long does an oral appliance last?

A well-made custom oral appliance typically lasts three to five years with proper care. Your doctor will check the condition of your appliance at follow-up visits and recommend replacement when needed.

Is an oral appliance comfortable to sleep with?

Most patients find custom oral appliances comfortable after a short adjustment period of a few nights. Because the appliance is made to fit your teeth precisely, it is much more comfortable than store-bought alternatives. Patients generally adapt quickly.

Can an oral appliance replace CPAP for sleep apnea?

For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, an oral appliance is a recognized alternative to CPAP. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP is still considered the primary option. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances for patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP.

Does insurance cover oral appliance therapy?

Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy for TMJ disorders and sleep apnea when prescribed by a qualified provider. South Bay TMJ is in-network with most major insurance plans and accepts Medicare. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins.

Can I use an oral appliance if I have dental work like crowns or bridges?

In most cases, yes. Your doctor will evaluate your dental situation and determine the best appliance design for your mouth. Having crowns, bridges, or missing teeth does not automatically disqualify you from oral appliance therapy. However, patients with very few teeth or poor oral health may need alternative options.

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Eric J. Grin, DDS, MS

Board-Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist · Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain · Assistant Professor, UCLA

Last Updated: April 24, 2026

― Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to Find Relief?

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.