Dental Sleep Appliances

Dental sleep appliances are an affordable and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At NY Metro Sleep in the Bronx, New York, double-board-certified sleep medicine specialist Rajendra M. Rampersaud, MD, and his team regularly prescribe dental sleep appliances to teens and adults. Call the New York City-based office to request a dental sleep appliance consultation today or book online.

What are dental sleep appliances?

A dental sleep appliance is a removable piece of plastic that looks like a mouthguard. There are two types of dental sleep appliances:

Oral mandibular advancement devices

Oral mandibular advancement devices fit over your lower dental arch (your bottom row of teeth). They move your lower jaw forward, making it easier for air to enter your trachea and lungs.

Devices that keep the airway open during sleep

These appliances prevent your tongue and the soft tissues at the back of your throat from blocking your airway during sleep. That stabilizes your breathing and helps you get a more rejuvenating rest.

Who should consider dental sleep appliances?

Consider a dental sleep appliance if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Snoring
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Restlessness during sleep
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Night sweats
• Headaches

You should also seek treatment if you regularly wake up in the night with a sensation of gasping or choking.

Does sleep apnea increase my risk of other health problems?

Yes. Without intervention and treatment, sleep apnea may increase your risk of more severe health problems, including high blood pressure (hypertension), stroke, and diabetes. Sleep apnea may even affect your performance at work. When you don’t get enough sleep, it’s hard to pay attention or stay on task.

What is the process for getting a dental sleep appliance?

Before prescribing a dental sleep appliance, your NY Metro Sleep provider reviews your health charts and asks about your symptoms. They also have you fill out a questionnaire and ask about your lifestyle, including how often you exercise and if you smoke or drink alcohol. 

If an exam doesn’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, the team orders an overnight sleep test or an at-home sleep study. These screens monitor your heartbeat, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen levels during sleep.

If the results of your sleep test confirm you have mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea, you qualify for a dental sleep appliance. Your provider takes digital impressions of your mouth and sends them to a dental lab.

Technicians at the lab use your impressions to design and manufacture a dental sleep appliance that fits perfectly.

Call NY Metro Sleep to see if you can benefit from a dental sleep appliance or book online today.