Sleep Apnea Treatment

Overview

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where breathing pauses repeatedly during sleep because the airway collapses or becomes blocked. Beyond the disrupted sleep, untreated OSA is linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and daytime fatigue significant enough to affect work and driving safety. For patients with mild to moderate OSA — especially those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine — Dr. Jill Rowland offers oral appliance therapy at Diamond Dentistry as a noninvasive alternative.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Works

An oral sleep appliance fits in the mouth at night much like a sport guard or retainer. By holding the lower jaw slightly forward (or by repositioning the tongue), it keeps the airway open through the night so the airflow disruptions that drive apnea are reduced or eliminated. Dr. Rowland coordinates with your sleep physician on diagnosis and follow-up; OSA is a medical condition that requires a sleep study to properly evaluate.

What Patients Notice

• Fewer or shorter breathing interruptions through the night

• Less daytime fatigue and clearer concentration

• Reduced cardiovascular load tied to repeated overnight oxygen drops

• A quieter, more portable alternative for patients who travel or could not tolerate CPAP

• Often a quieter night for partners as well

Is It Right for You?

Oral appliance therapy is most appropriate for adults with mild to moderate OSA, or for those with severe OSA who cannot use CPAP. Diagnosis requires a sleep study; Dr. Rowland will work with your sleep physician to confirm whether oral appliance therapy fits your case before fabricating the device.