Sleep Apnea Dentist in San Francisco
Loud snoring and daytime fatigue can be more than an annoyance — they may be signs of sleep apnea. At Financial District Dentistry, we offer oral appliance therapy to help patients throughout San Francisco, CA manage sleep apnea and sleep more comfortably.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, and excessive daytime fatigue. Left untreated, sleep apnea may contribute to broader health concerns, which is why proper diagnosis and treatment matter.
How Can a Dentist Help?
While sleep apnea should be diagnosed by a physician or sleep specialist, our team can provide custom oral appliance therapy for appropriate patients, often working alongside your medical provider to support your treatment plan.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
An oral appliance is a custom device worn during sleep that fits over your teeth and gently positions your lower jaw forward to help keep your airway open. It’s a comfortable, portable alternative for patients who qualify.
Oral Appliance vs. CPAP
CPAP is often more effective for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, but oral appliances can be a good option for mild to moderate cases or for patients who struggle to tolerate CPAP. We can help you understand which approach may be right for you, in coordination with your physician.
What to Expect
The process typically starts with a review of your sleep and health history, followed by a dental and jaw evaluation, coordination with your physician or sleep specialist, and a digital scan or impression to create your custom appliance. Once fitted, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to make any needed adjustments.
Is an Oral Appliance Right for You?
Oral appliances aren’t the right fit for everyone — a sleep study is typically needed first to confirm your diagnosis and severity, helping you and your physician choose the safest treatment. Snoring and teeth grinding can sometimes occur together, so it’s important to get a proper evaluation before assuming a standard night guard will address your symptoms.
Cost and Insurance
Coverage for sleep apnea oral appliances varies by plan and may fall under medical rather than dental insurance. Visit our Financial Information page, or call (415) 399-9999 to review your options.
Talk to a Dentist About Sleep Apnea
If snoring or daytime fatigue is affecting your life, our team at Financial District Dentistry can help. Contact us or request an appointment today.
Sleep Apnea Dentist FAQs
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
A dentist can provide custom oral appliance therapy, but sleep apnea should be diagnosed by a physician or sleep specialist first.
What is a sleep apnea oral appliance?
It’s a custom device worn during sleep that fits over the teeth and gently supports the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open.
Is an oral appliance better than CPAP?
Not for everyone — CPAP is often more effective for moderate to severe cases, while oral appliances may suit mild to moderate cases or patients who can’t tolerate CPAP.
Can an oral appliance stop snoring?
It may reduce snoring by supporting the jaw and airway, though proper evaluation is important since snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea.
Is a sleep apnea appliance the same as a night guard?
No, a night guard protects teeth from grinding, while a sleep apnea appliance supports the jaw and airway.
Do I need a sleep study first?
In most cases, yes, to confirm whether you have obstructive sleep apnea and how severe it is.
Does insurance cover sleep apnea appliances?
Coverage varies by plan and may fall under medical rather than dental insurance.
Sleep Better Tonight
Contact us at (415) 399-9999 to talk about sleep apnea treatment options.