If you struggle with loud snoring or wake up feeling exhausted, you might have sleep apnea. Many patients look for alternatives to bulky CPAP machines. A custom dental appliance can be a comfortable, effective option.
At Payson Dental and Orthodontics, we help patients in Payson, Utah, and surrounding areas like Santaquin and Salem breathe easier at night. Dr. Brian L. Kraft provides personalized care to determine if this therapy is right for you.
If your symptoms suggest sleep apnea, the first step is getting a clear diagnosis from a medical provider. From there, Dr. Kraft can take a closer look at your teeth, jaw, and airway to see whether an oral appliance could be a comfortable and effective option for you.
An oral appliance is a custom-made device you wear only while sleeping. It looks similar to a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer. The device gently holds your lower jaw in a slightly forward position. This forward position can help keep the upper airway more open and reduce obstruction during sleep.
We offer this treatment as part of our general dentistry and airway services. Oral appliances are compact and portable, which some people find more convenient than PAP therapy.
Not everyone is an immediate candidate for a sleep apnea mouthguard. Your teeth and gums must be healthy enough to support the device. According to guidelines from the Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine, adult patients must undergo a comprehensive dental evaluation before starting oral appliance therapy.
During this exam, we assess your tooth strength and gum health. If you have severe gum disease or loose teeth, we must address those issues first.
At our office, we use advanced technology to make sure your treatment is safe and precise. When appropriate, Dr. Kraft may use 3D cone beam imaging to capture detailed views of your jaw and airway. This helps us evaluate the exact structure of your mouth.
Dr. Kraft also serves as a Clinical Advisor for Vivos Therapeutics, giving him deep expertise in dental sleep medicine. We also evaluate your jaw joints and bite because oral appliance therapy can affect these areas over time.
If you’re ready to explore alternatives to CPAP, we are here to help. Our friendly team guides you through every step of the evaluation process. To find out if a dental appliance is right for you, schedule an appointment with our team today.
