Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Specialty
Sleep apnea & snoring solutions.
A custom oral appliance that may help some patients with physician-diagnosed mild to moderate sleep apnea or CPAP intolerance.
What it is
Overview.
Snoring is more than annoying — for many patients it is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway briefly collapses during sleep and breathing pauses repeatedly. Untreated, sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, fatigue, and accidents.
For some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea — or patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP mask — a custom-fitted oral appliance can be an effective alternative when recommended as part of a physician-guided plan. It gently positions the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open through the night.
Is it right for you?
An oral appliance may help if you
Not sure if you are a candidate? A 20-minute consult with Dr. Patel is the fastest way to find out what treatment options fit your goals, health, and timeline.
Book a consultation- Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Cannot tolerate a CPAP mask or hose
- Snore loudly enough to disturb your partner
- Wake up feeling unrested even after a full night
- Travel frequently and need a quieter, portable option
- Have been advised by a physician that an oral appliance is appropriate
How it works
How we fit your appliance
- Step 01
1 · Sleep evaluation
If you have not had a sleep study, we will help arrange one. A formal diagnosis from a physician guides treatment.
- Step 02
2 · Exam
We check teeth, jaw joints, and bite to confirm an oral appliance is the right fit.
- Step 03
3 · Digital scan
A wand scan captures the precise shape of your bite — no putty trays.
- Step 04
4 · Custom appliance
A lab crafts your appliance from durable, comfortable material — slim enough that most patients adapt within a week.
- Step 05
5 · Fit & tune
We fit the appliance, teach you how to use it, and follow up to fine-tune jaw position for best results.
Why it works
Why patients choose oral appliances
- No mask, no hose, no machine
- Quiet — no motor sound
- Easy to travel with — fits in a small case
- Many patients adapt after a short break-in period
- May be effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea and primary snoring when properly prescribed
- May be covered by medical insurance with a qualifying diagnosis
Aftercare
Adjusting and maintaining
Expect a few days of mild jaw soreness as you adapt — it fades. Clean the appliance daily with a soft brush. We will see you periodically to check the fit and review your sleep quality.
Common questions
FAQs about sleep apnea & snoring.
Still have a question? Call us at 704-544-8860 or send a note — we are happy to talk it through.
Do I need a sleep study first?
Will my medical insurance cover it?
How does it compare to CPAP?
Will it change my bite?
Patient experience
Clear care, comfortable visits.
Patients often tell us they appreciate seeing X-rays and photos on screen, hearing their options clearly, and understanding what is urgent versus what can wait.
New patients welcome
Ready for a dentist who actually listens?
Book a comprehensive new-patient visit and find out why families across Ballantyne keep coming back. We will take the time to understand your goals — then build a plan around them.