Sleep Apnea and Your Dentist: A Growing Service at SCO
Dental sleep medicine is the part of dentistry that helps patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, usually through a custom oral appliance called a mandibular advancement device.
The short answer, up front
Dental sleep medicine is the part of dentistry that helps patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, usually through a custom oral appliance called a mandibular advancement device. It holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep, which keeps the airway more open. It is not a replacement for a sleep physician; it works alongside one. I screen for the signs, I coordinate with your physician if a diagnosis is needed, and I fit and adjust the appliance if it is the right option for you.
Signs worth asking your dentist about
Snoring is the one most people already know. Less obvious signs show up in the mouth itself: worn edges on the teeth from grinding, a scalloped tongue, or a jaw that feels tight in the morning. Patients also mention daytime fatigue, or a partner who says they stop breathing for a few seconds at night. None of those on their own confirm sleep apnea, but together they are worth a conversation at your next visit, because a dentist sees the mouth every six months in a way most physicians do not.
How we work with your sleep physician
I do not diagnose sleep apnea. If what I see points that way, I refer for a sleep study with a physician, and the appliance, if one is appropriate, gets built and adjusted based on that diagnosis. Once you are wearing it, we monitor fit and effectiveness together with your physician rather than in isolation. That coordination matters, because an oral appliance that is not tracked properly can under-treat a condition that has real health consequences.
Why I took this on
Dentistry combines science and artistry as well as comedy, all in one, and sleep medicine is a part of it I did not expect to care about this much. You are meeting a lot of people, and you are really able to help them either improve their health or improve the way they look, and sleep apnea sits right at that intersection. A patient who starts sleeping through the night again is a different kind of result than a new smile, but it is just as real, and it is one I wanted to be able to offer here instead of sending every case somewhere else.
Ready to talk it through?
If snoring, morning jaw tightness, or daytime fatigue sound familiar, bring it up at your next visit or call (407) 678-8848 to schedule a conversation with me directly.
Schedule OnlineFrequently asked questions
Does insurance cover an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
Coverage for oral appliance therapy often runs through medical benefits rather than dental benefits, and it depends on your plan and diagnosis. We help you understand what applies to your case once a sleep study confirms a diagnosis.
How do I know if I need to ask my dentist about sleep apnea?
Snoring, daytime fatigue, morning jaw tightness, and worn tooth edges from grinding are common signs. They do not confirm sleep apnea on their own, but they are worth raising at your next dental visit.
What does a mandibular advancement device feel like?
It is a custom-fitted appliance worn during sleep that holds the lower jaw slightly forward to keep the airway more open. Most patients adjust within the first couple of weeks, and we fine-tune the fit as needed.
Is an oral appliance an alternative to CPAP?
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, an oral appliance can be an alternative many patients find easier to tolerate than CPAP. For more severe cases, CPAP may still be recommended by your sleep physician, sometimes alongside an appliance.
How do I get started with dental sleep medicine at SCO?
Start with a conversation with Dr. Concepción Díaz. If your symptoms point toward sleep apnea, the next step is a referral for a sleep study, and we take it from there together with your physician.