If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, two of the most common treatments are CPAP therapy and a custom oral appliance. Both aim to keep your airway open during sleep, but they work in very different ways and suit different patients.
At Valley Dental Turlock we provide custom oral appliances as part of our snoring and sleep apnea services. The right choice depends on your diagnosis and your physician’s guidance, so this comparison is meant to help you have an informed conversation with your care team.
How CPAP works
CPAP, short for continuous positive airway pressure, uses a small bedside machine to deliver a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose or nose and mouth. That gentle air pressure acts like a splint of air, keeping the airway from collapsing during sleep. CPAP is considered the standard, first-line treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and is very effective when used consistently. The main challenge for some people is comfort and getting used to wearing the mask each night, and modern machines have become quieter and more compact to help with that. When tolerated, CPAP offers excellent control of even severe sleep apnea.
How oral appliance therapy works
An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device, similar to a nightguard, that you wear in your mouth while you sleep. It gently positions the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep the airway open. Oral appliances are typically recommended for snoring and for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for people with more severe apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. They are made by a dentist after your physician has diagnosed the condition. Because each appliance is built from impressions or scans of your own teeth, it is designed to fit snugly and comfortably, and many people find it easy to get used to. There is no machine, mask, hose, or electricity involved, which is part of why some patients prefer it.
Comparing the two options
Both treatments work toward the same goal of keeping your airway open, but they differ in everyday practicality, comfort, and the range of severity they suit. The table below highlights the main points patients tend to weigh.
- Best fit: CPAP is first-line for moderate to severe apnea; oral appliances suit snoring and mild to moderate apnea, or CPAP intolerance.
- Comfort and travel: Many patients find an oral appliance more comfortable and far easier to travel with, since it is small and needs no power.
- Noise: Oral appliances are silent; CPAP machines make some noise, though modern units are quiet.
- Consistency: The best treatment is the one you will actually use every night, and comfort plays a big role in that.
- Care: Both require regular cleaning, and an oral appliance needs periodic dental checks for fit.
What to expect when getting an oral appliance
If your physician has recommended an oral appliance, the process at our office is straightforward and comfortable. Here is the general path.
- Review your diagnosis: We start with your physician’s diagnosis and sleep study results to confirm an appliance is appropriate.
- Exam and impressions: We check your teeth, gums, and jaw, then take impressions or digital scans so the device fits precisely.
- Custom fabrication: Your appliance is made just for you, since a snug, accurate fit is what makes it effective and comfortable.
- Fitting and adjustment: We fit the appliance, fine-tune the jaw position, and make sure it feels right.
- Follow-up: We see you for periodic checks, and your physician may suggest a follow-up sleep study to confirm it is working.
Visit our financial page to learn about payment options, or explore our broader general dentistry services.
Choosing the right path
There is no single right answer for everyone. Some patients do best with CPAP, some with an oral appliance, and some use both in different situations. The decision should be made together with your physician, who interprets your sleep study, and your dentist, who fits and adjusts the appliance. If your doctor has recommended an oral appliance, our team can help. Visit our financial page to learn about payment options, or book an appointment to get started.