Sleep Apnea Treatment Β· San Diego
Better sleep starts with the right fit β a custom oral appliance could help
If CPAP hasn't worked for you β or you've been told you have mild-to-moderate sleep apnea β oral appliance therapy (OAT) may be a comfortable, effective alternative. We work directly with your sleep physician to fit a custom device and follow your care over time.
Medical disclaimer
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that requires diagnosis by a licensed sleep physician. We do not diagnose sleep apnea. We provide oral appliances in coordination with your prescribing physician β not as a replacement for medical care. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, start with your primary care doctor or a board-certified sleep specialist.
What is oral appliance therapy?
Oral appliance therapy uses a small, custom-fitted device β similar to a mouthguard β that you wear while you sleep. It gently repositions your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open and reduce the pauses in breathing that define obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Unlike a CPAP machine, there are no masks, hoses, or motors. The appliance is quiet, portable, and discreet β many patients describe it as feeling like a sports guard that they quickly stop noticing.
OAT is clinically recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) as a first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate OSA and as an alternative for patients with severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP. Your sleep physician β not our office β makes the diagnosis and determines which treatment is right for you. We provide the appliance and ongoing dental care per their prescription.
Signs oral appliance therapy might help you
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed for years. If any of these sound familiar, it may be worth a conversation with your doctor β and with us.
- βLoud or persistent snoring that disrupts your partner's sleep
- βWaking up feeling unrefreshed even after a full night in bed
- βDaytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, or mood changes
- βA bed partner has witnessed you stop breathing during sleep
- βYou've been diagnosed with mild-to-moderate OSA (AHI < 30)
- βYou've tried CPAP and couldn't tolerate the mask, the noise, or the pressure
- βFrequent morning headaches or a dry, sore throat
- βHigh blood pressure that is difficult to control
These signs are not a diagnosis. Only a licensed sleep specialist can diagnose sleep apnea using a sleep study. If you suspect you have OSA, please speak with your primary care doctor or a sleep physician first.
What to expect β your path to treatment
- 1
Free consultation
Come in for a no-obligation conversation. We'll review your symptoms, ask about your sleep history, and explain whether oral appliance therapy could be a fit. If you already have a sleep study on file, bring a copy.
- 2
Sleep study referral (if not yet done)
A formal OSA diagnosis requires a sleep study β either an in-lab polysomnography or a home sleep test ordered by your doctor. If you don't have a recent study, we can help coordinate a referral to a local sleep specialist.
- 3
Custom appliance fitting
Once your physician prescribes OAT, we take precise digital impressions of your teeth and bite. Your appliance is fabricated by a specialized dental lab. Most patients receive their device within two to three weeks.
- 4
Follow-up titration
Over the first few weeks we fine-tune the jaw position in small increments β a process called titration β to maximize effectiveness and comfort. Your sleep physician may order a follow-up study to confirm your AHI has improved.
- 5
Ongoing care
We see you at least once a year to check the appliance fit, assess your bite and jaw joints (TMJ), and coordinate with your sleep physician. Sleep apnea management is a long-term partnership.
Have questions before scheduling?
We are happy to walk you through the process before you commit to anything.
How we work with your other doctors
Sleep apnea is a medical condition, and we take that seriously. Our role is narrow and specific: we provide custom-fitted oral appliances to patients who have been diagnosed with OSA by a licensed sleep physician and prescribed OAT as part of their care plan.
We do not diagnose sleep apnea. We do not interpret sleep studies. And we do not replace your sleep doctor or primary care physician β we work alongside them.
In practice, this means we communicate with your sleep specialist regularly, share adjustment notes and follow-up data, and flag any concerns (jaw discomfort, bite changes, new symptoms) back to your medical team. If you're also working with an ENT or allergist on airway issues, we're happy to include them in that loop.
We believe the best sleep apnea outcomes happen when dentists and physicians work as a coordinated team. That's the care model we practice here.
Insurance coverage and cost
Oral appliance therapy for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is a medical procedure β not a dental one β and is typically billed to medical insurance, not dental insurance. Most major medical plans (including Medicare) cover OAT when it is prescribed by a physician for a documented OSA diagnosis. Required documentation generally includes a sleep study report and a letter of medical necessity from your prescribing physician.
We will work with your insurance to verify coverage and handle prior authorization before we begin treatment. We want you to know your costs upfront, not after the fact.
- βMedical insurance (not dental) typically covers OAT for diagnosed OSA
- βMedicare Part B covers OAT β a sleep study report is required
- βCopays, deductibles, and coverage limits vary by plan
- βWe submit claims on your behalf and handle prior authorization
- βOut-of-pocket pricing available on request β contact the office for details
Questions about your specific plan? Visit our insurance page or call the office.
Common Questions
Sleep apnea oral appliance FAQ
Everything you want to know before your first visit β and a few things you didn't think to ask.
Important: sleep apnea is a serious medical condition
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and motor vehicle accidents. It requires proper diagnosis by a licensed sleep physician using a validated sleep study β not a self-assessment, a questionnaire, or a dental evaluation alone.
KinDentists / Nhat Khanh Dentistry provides oral appliance therapy to patients who have already received a formal OSA diagnosis and a prescription from a licensed physician. We do not diagnose sleep apnea, interpret sleep studies, or prescribe medical treatment.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, please contact your primary care doctor or a board-certified sleep specialist first. We are here to support your physician's care plan β not to replace it.
Learn more
Explore every aspect of dental sleep care
Each topic below has a full guide β symptoms, eligibility, insurance details, visit timelines, and answers to the questions patients ask most.
Screening & Symptoms β
Recognize OSA symptoms, understand home sleep tests vs. in-lab studies, and learn what to bring to your dental sleep consult after a diagnosis.
Oral Appliance Therapy β
How a custom mandibular advancement device works, why custom-fit matters, visit-by-visit timeline, care and durability, and full insurance details.
CPAP Alternatives β
For patients who tried CPAP and couldn't tolerate it. AASM guidance on when OAT is appropriate, combination therapy, and the documentation your physician needs.
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea β
Snoring and OSA are related β but not the same. When snoring warrants a physician evaluation, what lifestyle changes help, and what insurance covers for each.
Our services
See the full range of dental care we offer.
New patient registration
Get started as a new patient at our City Heights office.
Referrals & providers
Referring a patient? Submit a referral here.
Ready to sleep better?
Schedule a consultation to learn whether oral appliance therapy is right for you β or call the office with any questions.
San Diego, CA Β· (619) 265-2262