What Is Oral Appliance Therapy and How Does It Work?
Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes
If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea or can't tolerate your CPAP machine, you may be wondering if there's a better way to get the restful sleep you need. At Ellis Sleep Center in St. Louis, MO, we specialize in a highly effective and comfortable CPAP alternative known as oral appliance therapy. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what oral appliance therapy is, how it works, and why more patients are turning to this custom-fit solution for better sleep and better health.
Understanding Sleep Apnea and Its Impact
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing your airway to collapse or become blocked.
This leads to loud snoring, frequent waking, gasping for air, morning headaches, dry mouth, and feeling exhausted even after a full night of rest. Left untreated, sleep apnea increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even memory loss.
Many people are first prescribed a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which keeps the airway open by delivering pressurized air through a mask. But for many, CPAP can be uncomfortable, loud, and difficult to tolerate, leading to poor compliance and continued health risks.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a modern, non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that works by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. It’s similar in size and appearance to a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer, and is custom-made to fit your mouth precisely.
Unlike CPAP, there are no masks, hoses, or machines involved. The appliance is quiet, easy to travel with, and often more comfortable for those who struggle with CPAP.
How Oral Appliances Treat Sleep Apnea
At Ellis Sleep Center, Dr. Holly Ellis is a leader in dental sleep medicine in St. Louis and works with patients to design custom oral appliances that fit their unique anatomy.
Here’s how the process works:
Sleep Study and Diagnosis: If you haven’t been formally diagnosed, we can guide you through a sleep study, either at home or in a lab.
Custom Fitting: If oral appliance therapy is right for you, we take detailed impressions of your mouth and create a personalized device that moves your jaw into a slightly forward position.
Titration and Follow-up: Once you start wearing your appliance, we fine-tune the fit to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Ongoing Care: We continue monitoring your symptoms and sleep quality to make sure your treatment remains effective long-term.
Who Is a Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is FDA-approved for:
Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
Those with severe sleep apnea who are unable to use CPAP
People with snoring problems that interfere with quality of life
Individuals looking for a more convenient and comfortable solution
If you've searched for a “CPAP alternative in St. Louis” or want help managing sleep apnea without bulky machines, a custom mouthpiece for sleep apnea may be the answer.
Benefits of Dental Sleep Therapy
Patients across St. Louis, from Clayton to Chesterfield, are discovering the many advantages of oral appliance therapy:
Quiet, portable, and discreet
Easy to wear and care for
No electricity or tubing required
Comfortable for travel and sleeping partners
Covered by many insurance plans and Medicare
We often hear from patients who say things like, “I wish I knew about this years ago!” or “I finally sleep through the night without a machine!”
Why Choose Ellis Sleep Center?
Dr. Holly Ellis is a trusted sleep apnea dentist in St. Louis, MO, known for her expertise in custom-fitted oral appliances and her compassionate, patient-first care. We serve communities across St. Louis County, including Ballwin, Kirkwood, Central West End, and more.
If you're wondering, “Who treats sleep apnea without CPAP in St. Louis?”, the answer is Dr. Ellis and her experienced team.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
Don’t settle for restless nights and uncomfortable treatments. Discover a proven, comfortable, and effective way to treat your sleep apnea—without the mask.
📞 Call Ellis Sleep Center today to schedule a consultation and see if oral appliance therapy is right for you.