Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment in Apex
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Sleep-related breathing concerns can interfere with restful sleep and affect daytime health and well-being. Snoring may be associated with airway narrowing, but it can also be a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Michael Kim evaluates the teeth, bite, jaw joints, oral anatomy, and other factors to determine whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate. Consultations are available by appointment only.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment
Appointment-Only Oral Appliance Evaluations in Apex: A custom oral appliance positions and stabilizes the lower jaw, tongue, and related tissues to help maintain an open upper airway during sleep. Oral appliance therapy may be considered for adults with primary snoring or physician-diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea when clinically appropriate.
A physician or qualified sleep medicine provider must diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and determine the need for treatment. Dr. Kim can coordinate with the patient’s medical provider to assess oral appliance candidacy, fit a custom device, make gradual adjustments, and monitor dental or jaw-related changes.
“Snoring and sleep apnea require careful evaluation because they can have different causes and health implications. Our role is to assess whether the teeth, bite, and jaw can support an oral appliance and coordinate treatment with the patient’s medical provider when obstructive sleep apnea has been diagnosed.”
Dr. Michael Kim
Read Verified Reviews From Apex Parents
“My kids have been going to this practice since they were toddlers, and having one doctor who understands their complete dental history and growth patterns has made such a difference. Dr. Kim treats them like they’re his own children and recommends only what’s truly necessary. The convenience of having both their regular checkups and orthodontics in one place has been a game-changer for our family.”
“What impressed me most was how honest the doctor is about treatment recommendations. He explained exactly why each step was needed and never pushed unnecessary procedures. Having someone I trust completely managing both my kids’ dental and orthodontic care gives me peace of mind. The staff is incredibly kind and patient with nervous children.”
“We switched practices specifically because we wanted someone who could handle both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. The continuity of care is amazing, and our kids actually look forward to their appointments. The whole team treats every patient like family, and the clinical expertise is evident in every interaction.”
Research-Reported Outcomes for Sleep Apnea and Snoring Oral Appliance Treatment
Long-Term Users Satisfied With Their Oral Appliance
96%
Long-Term Users Very Satisfied With Their Oral Appliance
81%
Overall Acceptance of Oral Appliance Treatment
75%
Long-Term Users Without Reported Jaw Joint Pain
70%
Long-Term Users Without Reported Dry Mouth
70%
Average Reduction in Sleep-Related Respiratory Disturbances
60%
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| Oral Appliance Treatment Outcome | Percentage | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Users Satisfied With Their Oral Appliance | 96% satisfied | Twenty-six of 27 patients who continued using the evaluated appliance for at least three years reported being very satisfied or somewhat satisfied. |
| Long-Term Users Very Satisfied With Their Oral Appliance | 81% very satisfied | Twenty-two of the 27 long-term oral appliance users rated themselves as very satisfied with treatment. |
| Overall Acceptance of Oral Appliance Treatment | 75% acceptance | A JADA review of randomized studies and prospective case series reported an overall oral appliance acceptance rate of 75%. |
| Long-Term Users Without Reported Jaw Joint Pain | 70% without pain | Thirty percent of the long-term users reported jaw joint pain, meaning 70% did not report this symptom. |
| Long-Term Users Without Reported Dry Mouth | 70% without dry mouth | Thirty percent of the long-term users experienced dry mouth, meaning 70% did not report this side effect. |
| Average Reduction in Sleep-Related Respiratory Disturbances | 60% reduction | A JADA review found that oral appliances reduced the severity of sleep-related respiratory disturbances by approximately 60% on average. |
Sources: Clark GT, Sohn JW, and Hong CN, “Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Assessment of an Anterior Mandibular Positioning Device,” Journal of the American Dental Association, 2000; Mohsenin N, Mostofi MT, and Mohsenin V, “The Role of Oral Appliances in Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea,” Journal of the American Dental Association, 2003; American Dental Association, “Sleep Apnea (Obstructive)”; American Dental Association, “The Role of Dentistry in the Treatment of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders”
Reported outcomes come from different studies, appliances, patient groups, and follow-up periods. Individual results depend on the diagnosis, severity of the breathing disorder, oral anatomy, appliance use, medical history, and ongoing monitoring.
KEY FINDINGS
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Are Different
Snoring does not always indicate obstructive sleep apnea, but frequent or disruptive snoring may warrant a medical evaluation.
Diagnosis Comes From a Medical Provider:
A dentist may identify possible warning signs, but obstructive sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician or qualified sleep medicine provider.
Oral Appliances Reposition the Jaw
A custom device holds the lower jaw in a planned position to help maintain an open upper airway during sleep.
Candidacy Requires a Dental Evaluation
The teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints, oral anatomy, and existing dental work must be evaluated before appliance treatment begins.
Adjustment Is Gradual
A custom adjustable appliance can be modified over time to balance airway support with comfort and jaw function.
Ongoing Monitoring Is Important
Follow-up appointments help assess appliance fit, symptom changes, jaw comfort, tooth movement, and possible bite changes.
Schedule a Sleep Appliance Evaluation
Sleep apnea and snoring consultations at Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Apex are available by appointment only. Dr. Michael Kim will evaluate oral appliance candidacy and explain whether medical diagnosis, physician coordination, appliance therapy, or another next step is appropriate.
Questions Apex Dental Patients Ask About Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment
How can a dentist help with snoring or sleep apnea?
A dentist can evaluate whether the mouth and jaw can support a custom oral appliance. The device positions the lower jaw forward during sleep to help maintain an open airway. For obstructive sleep apnea, treatment is coordinated with a physician or qualified sleep medicine provider.
Do I need a sleep study before receiving an oral appliance?
A medical diagnosis is required before an oral appliance is provided to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Diagnosis commonly involves a sleep study interpreted by a qualified medical provider. Requirements may differ when the concern is primary snoring without diagnosed sleep apnea.
Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?
CPAP generally provides greater improvement in measured breathing events, particularly for severe obstructive sleep apnea. An oral appliance may be considered for appropriate patients with mild to moderate OSA or for certain patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. The medical provider determines the appropriate treatment.
How long does it take to adjust to a sleep appliance?
Adjustment time varies. Some patients experience temporary tooth pressure, jaw stiffness, increased saliva, or dry mouth when they begin wearing the appliance. Follow-up visits allow the device to be adjusted for comfort and effectiveness.
Can an oral appliance change the bite?
Long-term oral appliance use can cause changes in tooth position or the bite. Regular dental monitoring helps identify changes early and determine whether the device or treatment plan should be adjusted.
Does an oral appliance cure sleep apnea?
An oral appliance manages the condition while it is being worn but does not necessarily eliminate its underlying causes. Follow-up testing may be recommended by the medical provider to determine whether treatment is adequately controlling the breathing disorder.