Can Dentists Effectively Treat Sleep Apnea?

When patients are diagnosed with sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often discussed first and for good reason. CPAP is highly effective when used consistently. However, many patients struggle with long-term adherence, which has led medical and dental organizations to recognize alternative treatment options. Dentistry plays an important role in this space.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Anyone experiencing breathing difficulties should consult a physician immediately.

Are oral appliances used for Sleep Apnea?

Dentists provide oral appliance therapy for patients with physician-diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. These appliances are custom designed to reposition the lower jaw and help stabilize the airway during sleep. Unlike over-the-counter devices, professionally fitted oral appliances are tailored to a patient’s anatomy and monitored for safety and effectiveness.

Clinical guidelines jointly issued by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine support oral appliance therapy as a legitimate treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. Research indicates that these appliances may reduce apnea events in appropriately selected patients.

Patients often prefer dental appliances because they are quiet, portable, and non-invasive. These factors can improve long-term adherence, which is critical since untreated sleep apnea continues to pose health risks regardless of prescribed therapy.

What does long term treatment of Sleep Apnea look like?

Dental treatment for sleep apnea requires ongoing follow-up. Dentists monitor jaw health, tooth alignment, and symptom improvement while communicating with physicians to ensure that therapy remains effective. This collaborative approach helps protect both oral health and overall medical well-being.

Sleep apnea affects far more than sleep quality alone. It has been linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and impaired cognitive performance. Oral health plays an important role in this interconnected system, which is why dentists emphasize their role as part of a comprehensive healthcare team rather than a standalone solution.

So, can a dentist help with sleep apnea?

Yes! When treatment is physician-directed and integrated into a collaborative care plan. Dental appliances are a viable, research-supported alternative treatment for sleep apnea that can meaningfully improve quality of life for the right patients.

The team at Makowski Dental has training and experience in providing oral appliance therapy for patients with physician-diagnosed sleep apnea and in coordinating care with medical providers when concerns are identified. In fact, Dr. Makowski is a recognized, qualified dentist by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Experience the Makowski Dental difference by scheduling an appointment with our team, conveniently located in the Highline Centre in Denver, CO. Not sure if you have sleep apnea symptoms? Take our quiz to assess your risk of sleep apnea.

Sources:

1.       Ramar, K., Dort, L. C., Katz, S. G., et al. (2015). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring with oral appliance therapy. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 11(7), 773–827.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4481062/

2.       American Academy of Sleep Medicine & American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. (2015). Joint clinical practice guideline for oral appliance therapy.  https://aasm.org/aasm-and-aadsm-issue-new-joint-clinical-practice-guideline-for-oral-appliance-therapy/

3.       American Dental Association. (2023). Sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy.  https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/sleep-apnea-obstructive

4.       Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025). Sleep apnea – Treatment options. Mayo Clinic.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377636