Oral Appliance
Therapy
for Sleep Apnea with Respire® Sleep Appliances
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea with Respire® Sleep Appliances
Many patients with obstructive sleep apnea struggle to tolerate traditional CPAP therapy. CPAP machines can be noisy, bulky, uncomfortable, and inconvenient for travel, leading to low long-term compliance. At Dental Arts KC, we offer custom oral sleep apnea appliances designed to provide a quieter, more comfortable, and more convenient alternative for eligible patients.
Because comfort and wearability play a major role in treatment success, Respire® appliances are designed to:
- Improve long-term compliance compared to CPAP
- Offer greater comfort and freedom of movement
- Be portable and travel-friendly
- Deliver personalized treatment based on your anatomy and sleep needs
Our goal is to help you achieve better sleep, improved breathing, and better overall health, without sacrificing comfort or lifestyle.
Respire® Sleep Appliance Options
We offer a full lineup of Respire® oral sleep apnea devices to accommodate different jaw structures, tongue sizes, and nighttime habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism).
Respire Blue+
Freedom of vertical movement with enhanced comfort
- Ideal for patients who prefer more natural jaw movement
- Designed for comfortable, all-night wear
- Lightweight and minimally intrusive
Respire Blue EF+
Enhanced tongue space for added comfort
- Provides extra room for the tongue
- Ideal for patients with airway restriction concerns
- Allows vertical movement while improving airflow
Respire Pink
Designed for patients with nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Durable construction for added protection
- Comfortable fit while addressing airway support
- Helps reduce stress on jaw joints and teeth
Respire Pink EF
Extra comfort for bruxism or larger tongues
- Additional tongue space improves airway stability
- Ideal for patients who grind their teeth and need airflow support
- Enhanced comfort without bulk
Respire Pink EF Micro
Compact design with extra tongue space
- Smaller footprint while maintaining effectiveness
- Ideal for patients needing both comfort and compact sizing
- Great option for travel and smaller oral structures
Respire Pink Micro
Compact oral appliance for smaller mouths
- Streamlined design for patients with smaller jaws
- Lightweight and easy to wear
- Maintains airway support with minimal bulk
How to Determine the Right Sleep Apnea Appliance
Selecting the correct oral appliance depends on:
- Jaw position and bite alignment
- Tongue size and airway anatomy
- Presence of bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Severity of sleep apnea
- Comfort and compliance needs
Our dental team performs a thorough evaluation and works closely with your sleep physician to ensure the appliance is appropriate and effective for your diagnosis.
Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
An oral sleep apnea appliance is a custom-made dental device worn during sleep that repositions the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. It helps reduce breathing interruptions, snoring, and sleep apnea symptoms.
Are oral appliances effective for sleep apnea?
Yes, oral appliances are clinically proven to be effective for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Effectiveness depends on proper diagnosis, appliance selection, and consistent use.
Is a sleep apnea oral appliance better than CPAP?
Oral appliances are not better for every patient, but many people prefer them because they are quieter, more comfortable, portable, and easier to use. CPAP remains the gold standard for severe sleep apnea, but oral appliances offer an excellent alternative for eligible patients.
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Yes. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can provide oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea in collaboration with a sleep physician. Treatment always begins with a medical diagnosis from a sleep study.
Will a sleep apnea appliance help with snoring?
Yes. Oral appliances are highly effective at reducing or eliminating snoring by improving airflow and preventing airway collapse during sleep.
Are sleep apnea oral appliances comfortable?
Most patients find oral appliances significantly more comfortable than CPAP masks. Devices are custom-fitted to your mouth and designed to allow natural jaw movement and ease of breathing.
Can I travel with a sleep apnea oral appliance?
Yes. Oral appliances are compact, lightweight, and easy to pack, making them ideal for travel compared to bulky CPAP machines.
Do oral sleep apnea devices work for people who grind their teeth?
Yes. Certain Respire® appliances are specifically designed for patients with bruxism and provide both airway support and protection against teeth grinding.
How long does a sleep apnea oral appliance last?
With proper care and regular dental checkups, most oral appliances last several years. Longevity depends on usage habits, grinding severity, and oral health changes.
Is a sleep study required before getting an oral appliance?
Yes. A sleep study is required to diagnose sleep apnea before oral appliance therapy can be prescribed. Your dentist will coordinate with your sleep physician as part of your care.
