Oral Appliance Therapy with Mandibular Advancing Devices

Oral Appliance Therapy: A CPAP Alternative for Sleep Apnea

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea—or suspect you may have it—but struggle with CPAP, oral appliance therapy may be the solution.

At Sleep & Care Clinic of Dearborn, we utilize custom mandibular advancement devices (MADs) that help you breathe better, sleep deeper, and feel more energized—without bulky equipment.

Oral Appliance Therapy

  • Oral appliance therapy focuses on the use of a custom-fitted dental device worn during sleep to keep your airway open. These OAT devices look similar to a mouthguard but are specifically designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring.

    Oral appliance therapy devices are custom-made by trained dental professionals, and:

    • Gently reposition the lower jaw forward

    • Help keep the airway open during sleep

    • Reduce snoring and apnea-related events

    • Offer a comfortable, portable alternative to CPAP

    This forward positioning creates more space in the back of your throat, improving airflow and reducing breathing interruptions.

  • A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is the most common type of oral appliance used to treat sleep apnea. With the mandibular advancement device, our sleep-based dental clinic helps create a device that is:

    • Custom-fit to your teeth

    • Adjustable for comfort and effectiveness

    • Worn only while sleeping

    • Designed to gently reposition your jaw

    MADs work by guiding your lower jaw forward, which also moves the tongue away from the airway—preventing collapse and improving breathing.

  • Oral appliances therapy is recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, and individuals with snoring or airway restrictions. OAT can also be used in combination with PAP therapy for severe OSA cases, to help reduce overall air pressure and improve comfort. Many patients prefer OAT because it is quiet, easy to travel with, and more comfortable for long-term use.

    While CPAP remains the most efficacious treatment overall, many patients find oral appliances easier to use consistently—making them highly efficient in real-world use.

  • Patients at Sleep & Care Clinic of Dearborn choose OAT because they are:

    • Comfortable and non-invasive

    • Quiet and travel-friendly

    • Custom fitted for your mouth

    Oral appliance therapy improves sleep quality, breathing, and reduces snoring. Because they are easy to use and portable, oral appliances are often a preferred long-term solution for many patients.

  • While a CPAP (which stands for “continuous positive airway pressure”) forces air through your airway, oral appliances naturally open your airway by repositioning your jaw—making them a more comfortable option for many people.

Get Started

Our Process: Custom Oral Appliance Therapy

Step 1: Evaluation

We assess:

  • The results and diagnoses from your sleep study

  • Your craniofacial anatomy, including the TMJs, nose, mouth, and teeth

  • Symptoms like snoring, fatigue, headaches, and any other sleep-related issues you report

Step 2: Custom Designs

Your appliance is:

  • Precisely fitted to your teeth based upon scans that are taken

  • Designed for comfort and durability

  • Adjustable to optimize airway improvement

Custom devices are significantly more effective than over-the-counter options. We strongly advise against mail-order or over-the-counter “devices.”

Step 3: Follow-Up & Adjustment

After initial delivery of your custom oral appliance, we:

  • Fine-tune jaw positioning

  • Monitor symptom improvement

  • Coordinate with sleep testing when needed

What to Expect

Most patients notice improvements such as:

  • Reduced snoring

  • Better sleep quality

  • Less daytime fatigue

  • Fewer nighttime awakenings

Because the device works by stabilizing your airway, it helps create consistent, uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.

Oral Appliance Therapy in Dearborn, MI

At Sleep & Care Clinic of Dearborn, we go beyond symptom relief—we focus on airway-centered care that improves both sleep and overall health. Our expertise in oral appliance therapy  via mandibular advancement devices allows us to provide a personalized, comfortable alternative to traditional sleep apnea treatments.

Schedule Your Consultation

If CPAP isn’t working—or you’re ready for a better solution—oral appliance therapy may be the answer. Schedule your consultation today and discover a simpler, more comfortable way to breathe, sleep, and feel better.

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