Do you snore or wake up feeling unrefreshed? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common—and it can affect your energy, mood, and long-term health. While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a well-known therapy, many patients find relief with a custom oral appliance made by a dentist. Here’s how each option works and how we help patients in Spokane choose.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA occurs when the airway narrows or collapses during sleep, interrupting breathing. These pauses can happen dozens of times per hour, fragmenting sleep and decreasing oxygen levels. Symptoms include loud snoring, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
How CPAP Works
CPAP uses a bedside machine and mask to deliver gentle air pressure that keeps the airway open all night. It’s highly effective when used consistently, especially for moderate to severe OSA. However, some patients struggle with mask comfort, dryness, or travel convenience.
How Oral Appliances Work
A custom mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a small, mouthguard-like appliance worn during sleep. It holds the lower jaw slightly forward to prevent the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing backward. Many patients find oral appliances easier to wear nightly, which improves real-world results.
Comparing Effectiveness
For mild to moderate OSA, oral appliance therapy can be highly effective. For certain severe cases, CPAP remains first-line. The key is adherence—what you can use comfortably every night. We collaborate with sleep physicians for diagnosis and, when appropriate, follow-up sleep testing to confirm improvement.
Comfort and Lifestyle
- CPAP: Powerful therapy with modern, quieter machines but requires a mask, tubing, and a power source.
- Oral appliance: Compact, travel-friendly, no mask or hose. May cause temporary jaw or tooth soreness that typically resolves with adjustment.
Side Effects and Adjustments
CPAP users may experience nasal dryness or skin irritation; humidifiers and mask fitting help. Oral appliance users may notice bite changes if the device isn’t monitored—our team provides morning exercises and periodic checks to protect your joints and teeth.
Which is Right for You?
- Choose CPAP if your apnea is severe or if you’ve done well with CPAP in the past.
- Consider an oral appliance if your apnea is mild to moderate, you can’t tolerate CPAP, or you want a portable solution for travel.
Your Evaluation at The Avenue Dental Group
We’ll review your sleep study, examine your airway and jaw joints, take digital impressions, and fit your device precisely. Follow-ups allow us to advance the appliance to the sweet spot where breathing improves and comfort stays high.
Benefits at a Glance
- Better sleep quality and daytime energy
- Options tailored to your apnea severity and preferences
- Physician-guided testing to confirm improvement
- Compact, comfortable devices for frequent travelers
Take the Next Step
If snoring or poor sleep is holding you back, we can help. Call Us Today to ask about an oral appliance consultation with The Avenue Dental Group in Spokane. We serve patients across the greater Spokane area.