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Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is a serious condition — and most people who have it don’t know. You stop breathing briefly during sleep, your body jolts itself awake to restart, and the cycle repeats dozens or even hundreds of times each night. The result: poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and over time, real health risks including elevated blood pressure and heart problems.
If you’ve been told you snore heavily, or you wake up exhausted no matter how long you sleep, it’s worth talking to someone. And you might be surprised to learn that your dentist can help.
Family First Dental offers oral appliance therapy for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device — similar to a mouth guard — worn during sleep. It works by repositioning the lower jaw slightly forward, keeping the airway open and reducing or eliminating obstructions.
Oral appliances are a common alternative for patients who can’t tolerate a CPAP machine, or who want a less bulky option for travel and everyday use.
Oral appliance therapy is typically most effective for:
Your regular dental cleaning appointments are also a good time to mention symptoms like heavy snoring or daytime fatigue — we’re often the first to spot signs of grinding or airway issues that point toward sleep apnea.
CPAP machines are the gold standard for treating sleep apnea and are highly effective — but compliance is a real challenge. Many patients find the mask uncomfortable, the noise disruptive, or the equipment difficult to travel with.
Studies show oral appliances achieve comparable outcomes for mild to moderate sleep apnea, and patients tend to use them more consistently. If CPAP is working well for you, there’s no need to switch. But if you’ve been avoiding treatment because CPAP isn’t realistic, an oral appliance may be the answer.
Getting an oral appliance at Family First Dental involves a consultation to review your symptoms and any existing diagnosis, impressions or digital scans of your teeth, fabrication of a custom appliance, and a fit and comfort check. We work with your physician if a sleep study or additional evaluation is needed.
Dr. Craig Stout has nearly 20 years of experience in Rexburg providing general dentistry and specialty care across a full range of dental health needs. He’s direct, practical, and will help you understand exactly what treatment makes sense for your situation. To learn more, visit our about our practice page or call (208) 400-9946 to talk it through before your first visit.
We see patients from Rexburg, Rigby, Sugar City, St. Anthony, and the surrounding area. If sleep apnea or heavy snoring has been affecting your quality of life, call (208) 400-9946 to book a consultation.
Our friendly team at Family First Dental is here to help! Contact our office in Rexburg today and let us take care of your dental health.
