Oral Appliances

Oral Appliances that treat Snoring, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, and Sleep Apnea are similar to sports mouth guards and orthodontic retainers. They are plastic devices that hold the jaw in a protruded position during sleep. This position brings the tongue forward preventing it from falling to the back of the throat and collapsing the airway. Additionally this position places tension on the tonsilar pillars and soft palate helping to create an open airway. An open airway during sleep allows for healthy undisturbed sleep and makes it less likely to develop the medically related problems associated with sleep apnea and fragmented sleep.

Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear and adjust when fitted properly. Most people find that it takes a week or so to become comfortable with their appliance. Treatment with an oral appliance is conservative and non-invasive. The appliances are small and convenient making them easy for travel and manageable for bed time. Dr. Steinberg has years of experience with diagnosing, fabricating, fitting, and adjusting oral appliances for his patients as well as teaching other dentists how to use oral appliances.


Properly trained dentists, such as Dr. Steinberg along with his staff, play an important role in the team health care provider approach for the treatment of sleep breathing disorders. Our job is to perform a thorough dental screening and make recommendations for treatment based upon your symptoms, dental health, and TMJ (jaw joint) health. Once fitted with an appropriate appliance (there are many to choose from) we will show you how to adjust it to where your symptoms are managed. Once your snoring stops and the symptoms subside, a follow up sleep study is used to confirm the efficacy of the oral appliance.

Life expectancy of snoring and sleep apnea appliances varies. They can last from months to years depending upon each person’s particular habits. Some can be repaired in the office while others need to be repaired at a dental laboratory. Changes in your dentistry (fillings, crowns, etc.) will necessitate evaluation and possible alteration of your appliance. People who clench and grind create excessive forces on their teeth and oral appliances causing the life expectancy of each to be reduced. It is recommended that they are professionally checked yearly or as recommended on an individual basis to assure its proper fit and function and replaced when indicated.

Oral appliances may be used alone or in combination with other means of treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea, including general health, weight, and sleep hygiene modifications, surgery or CPAP.

While oral appliances therapy for the treatment of snoring and dental sleep apnea are very successful there are no guarantees of its efficacy since everyone is different and there are many factors influencing the upper airway during sleep. It is important to recognize that even when the therapy is effective, there may be a period of time before the appliance functions maximally. During this time you may still experience the symptoms related to your sleep disordered breathing. A post-adjustment polysomnogram (sleep study) is necessary to objectively assure effective treatment.

There are some dental concerns with oral appliance use for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. Please see the DENTAL CONCERNS tab for more information. You can rest assured that Dr. Steinberg and his staff are well versed in handling these problems.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea can be managed with the CPAP alternative!
Call Philadelphia Dental Sleep Medicine now to help with healthier sleeping!
215-735-8844