What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that uses a custom-fabricated device worn in the mouth during sleep. These appliances are designed to reposition the jaw and tongue slightly forward, keeping the airway open and reducing the risk of breathing interruptions.

Oral appliances are compact, silent, and easy to wear, unlike bulky CPAP machines. They offer an excellent solution for patients in Rockledge, FL who prefer a less intrusive approach to sleep apnea treatment.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Patients often ask how oral appliance therapy compares to CPAP or surgery. The answer lies in the comfort, convenience, and effectiveness of these custom-made devices.

Oral appliance therapy offers several key benefits:

  • Increased comfort: Many patients find oral appliances easier to tolerate than CPAP masks.
  • Ease of use: The appliance is small, portable, and simple to care for.
  • Improved compliance: Studies show higher adherence rates among OAT users compared to CPAP.
  • No noise or tubing: Ideal for those who find CPAP machines disruptive or uncomfortable.
  • Better sleep quality: Helps reduce snoring, nighttime awakenings, and daytime fatigue.
  • Health benefits: Improved sleep can positively impact blood pressure, heart health, cognitive performance, and emotional well-being.

When designed and monitored by a dental sleep professional, these appliances can be a life-changing option for many patients.

Who Is a Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for the right candidate, it can be highly effective. Dr. Prill carefully evaluates each patient to determine the best course of treatment based on medical history, sleep study results, and specific symptoms.

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
  • Are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy or prefer a more discreet alternative
  • Snore heavily or experience frequent nighttime awakenings
  • Are looking for a travel-friendly sleep solution
  • Want a treatment that is non-invasive and medication-free

Before beginning any treatment, we will collaborate with your physician or sleep specialist to ensure that OAT is appropriate for your condition.

What Is a Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance?

An oral appliance for sleep apnea—also known as a mandibular advancement device—is a custom-designed mouthpiece that gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue forward. This slight movement helps keep the airway open throughout the night, reducing or eliminating snoring and apneic events.

These appliances differ significantly from over-the-counter mouthguards. At Signature Smile, every appliance is custom-fabricated to fit your anatomy for maximum comfort and effectiveness. With professional supervision and regular adjustments, the appliance becomes an integral part of your nightly routine.

Types of Oral Appliances We Offer

At Signature Smile Family Dentistry, we offer proven and FDA-cleared appliances selected based on your specific diagnosis, jaw structure, and comfort preferences.

EMA® Oral Appliance

The Elastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA) appliance is known for its adjustable design and minimal bulk. It uses interchangeable elastic straps to gently advance the lower jaw.

  • Allows for lateral jaw movement
  • Offers multiple strap lengths for gradual advancement

Compact and comfortable for nightly wear

SomnoMed® Oral Appliance

The SomnoMed device is a highly customizable appliance that maximizes comfort while improving airway openness.

  • Features a patented design to move the jaw forward
  • Comfortable fit tailored to each patient
  • Recognized globally for its success in sleep apnea management

During your consultation, Dr. Prill will help determine which device best suits your needs and ensure a precise fit through digital impressions and jaw assessment.

The Oral Appliance Therapy Process

We understand that choosing a treatment can feel overwhelming. That’s why our approach to oral appliance therapy is thorough, collaborative, and focused on your comfort and long-term success.

Step 1: Initial Evaluation

We begin with a comprehensive consultation. If you’ve already had a sleep study, we’ll review the results. If not, we can coordinate with a local sleep specialist or refer you for an at-home or in-lab test.

Step 2: Custom Fitting

Once we determine that you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy, we take detailed impressions and measurements of your mouth and jaw. These are then sent to a dental lab to fabricate your custom appliance.

Step 3: Delivery and Adjustment

After the appliance is ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. Dr. Prill ensures the appliance is comfortable and provides the necessary jaw advancement. Adjustments can be made over time as needed.

Step 4: Monitoring and Maintenance

We schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your response, evaluate any side effects, and maintain the appliance’s fit. This ensures that the treatment remains effective and well-tolerated.

Why Choose Dr. Hilary Prill for Oral Appliance Therapy?

Dr. Hilary Prill is experienced in dental sleep medicine and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), a national organization that sets the gold standard for dentists treating sleep-disordered breathing.

Patients choose Dr. Prill because she offers:

  • A personalized, non-invasive approach to sleep apnea
  • Advanced training in custom-fabricated oral appliances
  • A caring, informative style that puts patients at ease
  • Strong partnerships with local physicians and sleep labs
  • Ongoing education and professional development in dental sleep therapy

Her goal is not only to treat sleep apnea but also to improve overall health and quality of life, starting with better rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

With proper care and maintenance, most oral appliances last 3–5 years. Regular check-ups help extend their lifespan and ensure continued effectiveness.

Some patients experience temporary jaw soreness, dry mouth, or changes in bite. These side effects are usually mild and resolve with time or minor adjustments.

Oral appliance therapy may be covered by medical insurance (not dental) when prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea. Our team will help you navigate the benefits and submit necessary documentation.

While CPAP remains the standard for severe OSA, many patients with mild to moderate cases find oral appliance therapy more comfortable and easier to use consistently.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are searching for a more comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy could be the answer. At Signature Smile Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer trusted, evidence-based care for patients across Rockledge and surrounding communities.

Contact us today at (321) 633-4020 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation. Let us help you get the rest you deserve—safely, comfortably, and without compromise.