If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect you might have it, you’re not alone. Over 50 million Americans suffer from this potentially dangerous condition. The good news is that comfortable, effective treatment is available, and you don’t have to struggle with bulky CPAP machines anymore.
At Tri-State Snoring and Sleep Center, Dr. Laurie Anne Stanell and her team specialize in fitting patients with custom-fabricated oral appliances designed to manage sleep apnea comfortably and effectively. With over 35 years of experience in dentistry and advanced training in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Stanell uses cutting-edge technology to ensure your treatment is both successful and comfortable.
What Are Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea?
Oral appliances are custom-made dental devices that treat sleep apnea by repositioning your lower jaw while you sleep. The appliance holds your lower jaw in a precise, open, forward position, preventing the soft tissues in your throat and neck from collapsing and blocking your airway. This eliminates the choking and suffocating episodes that characterize sleep apnea.
These custom devices fit much like a sports mouth guard and are specifically designed for your unique dental structure. Unlike generic “at-home appliance kits,” the oral appliances used at Tri-State Snoring and Sleep Center are FDA-cleared medical devices manufactured to strict standards, specifically designed to manage sleep apnea. We also use state-of-the-art Eccovision Acoustic Diagnostic Imaging technology to ensure your jaw is held in precisely the correct position for optimal results.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
If you’re exploring snoring and sleep apnea treatment options, oral appliances offer numerous advantages that make them an attractive choice for many patients:
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Easy to wear and comfortable to use, even for first-time users
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Small, noiseless, and barely noticeable during sleep
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Convenient for travel—no need to pack bulky CPAP equipment
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Won’t disturb your bed partner with noise or equipment
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Reduce the self-consciousness that many patients report with CPAP use
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Non-permanent solution that can be discontinued at any time
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Typically covered by medical insurance and Medicare
In 2015, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine updated its practice parameters to recommend custom-fabricated oral appliances made by specially trained dentists for patients with snoring and sleep apnea who prefer oral devices over CPAP or who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is effective for a wide range of patients with sleep-disordered breathing. You may be an ideal candidate if you:
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Have primary snoring without apnea
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Have mild to moderate sleep apnea, or severe apnea, but cannot tolerate CPAP
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Cannot tolerate the high pressure required by CPAP machines
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Have healthy, disease-free teeth
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Want to travel without bringing a CPAP machine
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Prefer a discreet, comfortable solution
The Oral Appliance Treatment Process
Getting your custom oral appliance is a straightforward process. First, you’ll come in for your complimentary consultation, where we’ll evaluate your airway and discuss your symptoms and sleep history. If you don’t already have a sleep apnea diagnosis, we can provide an at-home sleep test for your convenience.
An exam is performed by the doctor, which determines if you are a candidate for OAS. Once we confirm that oral appliance therapy is right for you, we’ll take precise impressions of your teeth to create your custom device. The appliance is fabricated to exact specifications and designed for your comfort. When your appliance is ready, we’ll fit it carefully and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it holds your jaw in the optimal position. Follow-up appointments allow us to fine-tune the appliance and ensure you’re getting the best results possible.
Oral Appliances vs. CPAP
CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) has traditionally been considered the gold standard for sleep apnea treatment. CPAP works by pumping room air through a hose into a nasal mask strapped to your head, using constant pressure to keep your airway open. While highly effective, CPAP has proven difficult to tolerate for many patients, and a large majority of CPAP users become non-compliant within six months.
If you’re having difficulty wearing your CPAP every night, oral appliance therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s imperative that you do something to manage your obstructive sleep apnea, and oral appliances offer a comfortable, effective alternative that patients actually use consistently.
Why Choose Tri-State Snoring and Sleep Center for Oral Appliances in Holicong, PA?
Dr. Laurie Anne Stanell brings over three decades of dental expertise to her practice, having served the Bucks County community since 1988. As a native of the area who grew up in Feasterville and graduated from Neshaminy High School, she understands the needs of local patients. Dr. Stanell earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Temple University School of Dentistry, where she received fellowship training in Oral Cancer Surgery at Temple University Hospital.
What sets Tri-State Snoring and Sleep Center apart is our commitment to using the most advanced technology available, including comfortable at-home testing. Our boutique practice also provides personalized, individual attention for superior results—you’re never just a number here.
Get Relief from Sleep Apnea with a Custom Oral Appliance
You don’t have to continue struggling with sleepless nights, chronic fatigue, or uncomfortable CPAP equipment. Custom oral appliances offer a comfortable, effective solution that can help you sleep better, feel better, and improve your overall health.
Contact Tri-State Snoring and Sleep Center in Holicong, PA, today at 215-583-2790 to schedule your complimentary consultation. Dr. Stanell and her team are ready to help you find the relief you deserve.
