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Sleep Apnea · San Diego, CA
CPAP not working for you? An oral appliance — a custom-fitted mouthpiece worn during sleep — is an effective, FDA-cleared alternative for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. We work with your physician or sleep specialist to fit and adjust the appliance.
Hablamos español. Nói tiếng Việt.
How it works
Oral appliance therapy involves coordinated care between our dental office and your physician or sleep specialist — here is what to expect from start to finish.
Oral appliance therapy requires a formal sleep apnea diagnosis (AHI score) from a sleep study ordered by your physician or a sleep medicine specialist. We cannot diagnose OSA — that must come from a medical doctor. If you have symptoms but no diagnosis, we will help you navigate the referral process.
We assess whether your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite can support an oral appliance. Certain dental conditions (severe gum disease, missing teeth, significant TMJ issues) may affect candidacy or require treatment first.
We take detailed impressions or digital scans of your upper and lower teeth. The appliance is custom-fabricated to your exact anatomy — not an off-the-shelf product.
The appliance is fitted at a dedicated appointment. We calibrate the jaw position and make sure it is comfortable for sleeping. Some appliances are titratable — adjustable as we dial in the correct jaw position over a few weeks.
After the initial fitting period, a follow-up sleep study (done through your physician) confirms the appliance is reducing apnea events to an acceptable level. We stay in communication with your medical provider throughout.
Oral appliance therapy is an evidence-based, FDA-cleared treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends it as a first-line alternative to CPAP for mild-to-moderate OSA.
Over-the-counter anti-snoring mouthpieces are not the same as a prescription custom oral appliance made from accurate dental impressions. Fit, comfort, and clinical effectiveness are in a different category.
We communicate directly with your sleep specialist or primary care physician before and after fabrication. The follow-up sleep study that confirms appliance efficacy is ordered through your medical provider, not us.
For severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30), CPAP remains the most effective treatment. If your sleep study shows severe OSA, we will tell you honestly that an oral appliance may not achieve the same result and that CPAP compliance is the stronger clinical priority.
Sleep apnea care involves detailed coordination between dental and medical providers. Our team handles that coordination and can explain the process in Vietnamese or Spanish.
Have a sleep apnea diagnosis and want to explore an oral appliance?
Bring your sleep study results to the consultation and we will assess dental candidacy and walk through the process.
Our office is at 5296 University Ave in City Heights — convenient for patients from across San Diego. Sleep apnea appliance work typically involves 3–4 visits spread over a few weeks, so proximity matters. Patients from North Park, Normal Heights, Encanto, and College Area are well-placed for follow-up care.
Common Questions
Custom-fit appliance therapy at our City Heights office. Coordinated with your physician. Bilingual team.
5296 University Ave, Suite I · San Diego, CA · Next to Vien Dong Supermarket