Sleep Dentistry

Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fit device worn during sleep. Many appliances gently advance or stabilize the lower jaw so the airway has more room to stay open.

Oral appliances are often considered for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, especially for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or need a physician-approved alternative.

A dentist can screen for risk, but obstructive sleep apnea is a medical diagnosis. Many patients need a physician evaluation or sleep test before appliance therapy is recommended.

No. A night guard protects teeth from grinding. A sleep apnea oral appliance is designed to support the airway by changing jaw position during sleep.

Most patients need fitting and follow-up visits. Adjustments may improve comfort, jaw position, and effectiveness while monitoring bite, tooth, and jaw changes.

Patients should clean the appliance daily, store it safely, bring it to follow-up visits, and contact the office if it feels loose, damaged, or uncomfortable.

NightLase is a non surgical laser protocol that gently warms selected oral soft tissues. The goal is to support tissue tightening around the airway and reduce snoring for appropriate candidates.

Fotona describes a typical protocol as 3 to 5 sessions, often spaced about 21 days apart. Timing is personalized based on screening, comfort, and tissue response.

NightLase is designed as a gentle laser visit. Many patients do not need anesthesia and return to normal routines afterward, although comfort and instructions vary by patient.

No. NightLase may support snoring or mild sleep-breathing concerns in selected patients, but it does not replace sleep testing, CPAP, physician care, or oral appliance therapy when those are needed.

Sometimes. Some patients may be better suited for an appliance, some for NightLase, and some for a combined plan. The recommendation depends on airway screening, medical diagnosis, anatomy, and goals.

Results vary. Some patients need maintenance sessions over time, and ongoing follow-up is important because snoring and sleep-breathing symptoms can change.

Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fit device worn during sleep. Many appliances gently hold the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway more open and reduce airway collapse for appropriate patients.

Oral appliances are commonly considered for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, especially when a patient cannot tolerate CPAP or prefers a physician-approved alternative. A sleep physician diagnosis and dental evaluation help determine suitability.

No. A night guard mainly protects teeth from grinding. A sleep apnea oral appliance is designed to help position the jaw and support the airway during sleep.

The process usually includes a dental exam, bite evaluation, digital scan or impressions, appliance design, fitting, and adjustment visits. Follow-up is important to check comfort, jaw response, bite changes, and treatment effectiveness.

NightLase is a non surgical laser treatment concept that gently warms selected oral soft tissues. The goal is to support tissue tightening in the airway area and reduce snoring for appropriate candidates.

Fotona describes a typical NightLase protocol as 3 to 5 sessions, often spaced about 21 days apart. Your Dental Arts team will personalize timing based on your screening, tissue response, comfort, and sleep goals.

NightLase is designed as a gentle, non surgical laser visit. Many patients return to normal routines afterward, although individual comfort and instructions can vary.

No. Snoring can be related to obstructive sleep apnea, which is a medical condition. Dental Arts can screen, educate, and coordinate with physicians, but patients with suspected sleep apnea may still need a sleep test or medical management.

An oral appliance helps reposition the lower jaw during sleep. NightLase is a laser soft tissue approach. Some patients may be better suited for one option, while others may need a combined or referral-based plan.