Sleep apnea and dental devices: causes, symptoms and what to do

What is sleep apnea?

Cleveland Clinic says sleep apnea makes you stop breathing while you sleep. It happens either from airway blockage (obstructive) or when the brain does not control breathing as expected (central), and repeated waking to restart breathing disrupts restful sleep. It can affect anyone, including children and adults, and people of any body size.

What does a sleep apnea headache feel like?

Cleveland Clinic lists headaches, especially upon waking, as a possible symptom, alongside snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, waking repeatedly and daytime fatigue or sleepiness. The page does not describe what the headache feels like, and the other sources we read do not either, so see a doctor if you wake with frequent headaches and feel unrested. Our guides on toothache headaches and jaw pain explain headaches with a dental cause.

Can sleep apnea go away?

Cleveland Clinic says weight loss or surgical treatment options may resolve obstructive sleep apnea, but not every type can be eliminated. Healthline says weight loss can keep airways clearer and that the condition can return if weight comes back. See our guide on whether sleep apnea goes away.

What treatments are there?

Cleveland Clinic lists a CPAP machine, an oral appliance, managing underlying conditions, sleeping on your side, a nerve stimulation device, medications and surgery. Sleep Foundation calls CPAP the gold standard for obstructive sleep apnea, usually first for moderate or severe disease.

What are dental sleep apnea devices?

Healthline says oral appliances reposition the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open, in two main types: mandibular advancement devices and tongue-stabilizing devices, ranging from over-the-counter products to custom-fitted ones made by a dentist. Sleep Foundation says mandibular devices hold the lower jaw forward and tongue-retaining devices hold the tongue forward using suction, describes them as custom-made dental devices, says they are not as effective as CPAP and are often only prescribed after a person cannot tolerate positive airway pressure therapy.

How much is a Daybreak sleep apnea device?

The sources we read give no prices and do not mention this brand, so we do not give figures. Ask a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine for a written estimate, find out what is included, such as fitting, follow-up and adjustments, and ask your insurer whether it is covered, since policies often require a diagnosis from a physician first.

Side effects and follow-up

Sleep Foundation has no dedicated side effects section for oral appliances. Search-result summaries mention jaw or tooth discomfort, but we did not read a source, so ask your dentist what to expect and how often you need follow-up checks of your bite and the device. Report pain, a changing bite or loose teeth.

Who diagnoses sleep apnea?

A doctor makes the diagnosis, and Cleveland Clinic advises talking to a provider about your situation. A dentist can notice signs such as worn teeth, a narrow airway or a large tongue during a routine exam and refer you, and can make an oral appliance once you have a diagnosis. The sources we read do not describe the sleep test itself, so ask your doctor what testing involves and whether it can be done at home.

Sleep apnea risks to be aware of

Cleveland Clinic lists family history, heart conditions, stroke, high blood pressure, large tonsils and older age among the risk factors, and says males are more likely to be diagnosed before age 50. Healthline notes that avoiding alcohol and smoking may reduce airway inflammation and snoring, and that side sleeping can help since back sleeping can worsen symptoms. These steps support treatment but do not replace it.

Questions to ask your doctor or dentist

Ask for a diagnosis first, then options.

• Do I have sleep apnea, and what type and severity?
• Is CPAP, an oral appliance or surgery best for me?
• Who will make and fit the appliance?
• How will we check that it is working?
• What should I report after starting it?

Guides in this topic

Frequently asked questions