Oral Appliance Therapy
Treatment
Oral Appliance Therapy
A custom-fitted oral appliance can be an effective, comfortable alternative to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) uses a custom-fitted device worn in the mouth during sleep. The appliance works by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward, which helps keep the upper airway open and prevents the collapse that causes obstructive sleep apnea.
Oral appliances are prescribed by a sleep medicine physician and custom-fabricated based on dental impressions. They are compact, portable, and do not require electricity — making them a practical option for travel and for patients who find CPAP difficult to use consistently.
Who May Benefit
Oral appliance therapy is recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) as an effective treatment option for:
- Adults with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Patients with severe OSA who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy
- Patients who prefer an alternative to CPAP
- Patients who travel frequently and need a portable solution
- Patients with primary snoring (without apnea)
A sleep medicine evaluation and diagnostic sleep study are required to determine whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.
How It Works
Mandibular Advancement
Most oral appliances for sleep apnea work through mandibular advancement — gently moving the lower jaw (mandible) forward. This forward position tightens the soft tissues and muscles of the upper airway, reducing the tendency for the airway to collapse during sleep.
Custom Fit
Unlike over-the-counter devices, prescription oral appliances are custom-fabricated from dental impressions taken by a qualified dental professional. The precise fit improves both effectiveness and comfort, and the degree of jaw advancement can typically be adjusted over time to optimize treatment outcomes.
AIO Breathe® at Sleep Medicine Institute of Texas
Sleep Medicine Institute of Texas offers AIO Breathe®, a clinician-directed, custom-fabricated adult and pediatric oral airway platform within its broader oral-appliance-therapy services. AIO Breathe® holds separate FDA clearances for adult and pediatric indications and is delivered through a structured, clinician-directed care pathway.
A Distinct Oral Airway Platform
AIO Breathe® is not a generic oral appliance. It is a prescription-only, custom-fabricated platform supported by the AAVOAT™ therapeutic framework, CAOM® movement concept, and — for pediatric patients — the Growth-Conscious Replacement Program (GCRS).
Oral appliance therapy encompasses a range of devices. Your physician will recommend the most appropriate option based on your evaluation, sleep study results, and clinical needs.
For detailed information about AIO Breathe®, visit the Explore the AIO Breathe® Platform.
Effectiveness & Follow-Up
Oral appliance therapy is effective for many patients, but outcomes vary based on the severity of sleep apnea, anatomy, and adherence. Follow-up sleep testing is typically recommended after initiating therapy to confirm that the appliance is adequately controlling apnea events.
- Regular follow-up appointments are important to assess fit and effectiveness
- Jaw soreness or tooth discomfort is common initially and usually resolves
- Dental monitoring is recommended to detect any changes in bite over time
- Some patients use oral appliances in combination with other therapies
Oral appliance therapy requires a physician prescription and diagnostic sleep study. This page provides general educational information and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified sleep medicine physician to determine whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate for your condition.
Explore Your Treatment Options
Sleep Medicine Institute of Texas offers multiple evidence-based treatments for sleep apnea. Schedule a consultation to discuss what is right for you.