CJ Henley, DMD, PA / San Marco, Jacksonville, Florida
Sleep apnea oral appliances in Jacksonville, FL.
A custom-fit option for people who can’t make CPAP work.
An oral appliance is a custom mouthpiece worn at night that holds your lower jaw slightly forward to help keep your airway open. Dr. Henley provides them at our San Marco office in Jacksonville for snoring and for obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed by your physician, and he works with your doctor so a follow-up sleep study can confirm it’s helping.
- 17%of U.S. men aged 50 to 70 are estimated to have moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing1
- 46–83%of people with sleep apnea in published studies didn’t use CPAP at least 4 hours a night2
- 6.5 vs. 5.2hours of reported nightly use, oral appliance vs. CPAP, in a randomized crossover trial3
- 1 dentistDr. Henley does your exam, fitting, and adjustments himself
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Obstructive sleep apnea, explained
What sleep apnea is, and who diagnoses it.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) means the airway in the back of your throat narrows or closes over and over while you sleep, cutting airflow until your brain partly wakes you to breathe. It is a medical diagnosis. A physician makes it with a sleep study, not a dentist and not a questionnaire.
As you fall asleep, throat muscles relax. In some people the tongue and soft tissue fall back far enough to block the airway. Oxygen dips, and you rouse just enough to breathe. Most people never remember it. They just wake up tired.
Common signs are loud snoring, pauses in breathing a bed partner notices, waking up gasping, morning headaches, and daytime sleepiness.
Why the diagnosis comes from a physician
Diagnosis takes an overnight sleep study, in a sleep lab or with a home test ordered by a physician. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends against diagnosing it from questionnaires alone.4 The study reports an AHI, the number of breathing pauses and shallow breaths per hour: roughly 5 to 15 is mild, 15 to 30 moderate, over 30 severe.
We don’t run sleep tests here, and a dentist can’t diagnose sleep apnea. If you snore or think you might have it, start with your physician. If you already have a diagnosis, bring your sleep study report to your first visit.
Mandibular advancement devices
How an oral appliance for sleep apnea works.
The most common oral appliance is a mandibular advancement device: two custom trays, one for the upper teeth and one for the lower, connected so the lower jaw sits slightly forward during sleep. Moving the jaw forward pulls the tongue forward too, which helps keep the airway open.
It holds the jaw forward
Your tongue is attached to your lower jaw. Held forward a few millimeters, the tongue is less likely to fall back and block the airway.
It’s adjustable
A custom appliance can be advanced in small steps (titration) to find a position that helps breathing and still suits your jaw. The guideline favors custom, adjustable appliances.5
It fits your teeth
Made from digital scans, the trays stay put through the night. A loose appliance lets the jaw slide back.
It’s not a night guard
A flat night guard for tooth grinding protects your teeth but doesn’t move your jaw, so it doesn’t treat sleep apnea. They’re different appliances with different jobs.
CPAP alternative and snoring mouthguard
Who an oral appliance is meant for.
Under the 2015 guideline from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, oral appliances are recommended for adults with obstructive sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP or prefer another treatment, and for adults who want treatment for snoring without sleep apnea.5
CPAP, a machine that blows air through a mask, works very well when people use it. Many don’t. The mask is uncomfortable, or it ends up on the floor by 2 a.m.
In plain terms, the guideline by Ramar and colleagues says:5
- Snoring without sleep apnea. A physician can prescribe an oral appliance for adults who want their snoring treated.
- Sleep apnea and CPAP intolerance. A physician should consider an oral appliance, rather than no treatment, for adults who can’t tolerate CPAP or would rather use something else.
- Custom over store-bought. When an appliance is used for sleep apnea, a qualified dentist should use a custom, adjustable one.
- Follow-up on both sides. The dentist watches for dental side effects and bite changes. The sleep physician arranges follow-up sleep testing to confirm the appliance is working.
Severity matters too. People with severe sleep apnea usually do better on CPAP if they can use it. That call belongs with your sleep physician.
CPAP vs. oral appliance
How the two treatments compare.
CPAP usually lowers the number of breathing events more than an oral appliance does. People tend to wear an appliance more hours per night, though. In one randomized trial of moderate to severe sleep apnea, that trade-off left daytime sleepiness and quality of life improving by similar amounts on both.3
| CPAP | Custom oral appliance | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowering breathing events (AHI) | Usually the larger drop. In one trial, average AHI fell to 4.5 events per hour.3 | Often a meaningful drop but usually less. In the same trial, average AHI was 11.1 per hour.3 |
| Nightly use | Many people struggle with it. Studies report 46–83% of patients using it less than 4 hours a night.2 | Reported use was higher in that trial: about 6.5 hours a night vs. 5.2 for CPAP.3 |
| Daytime results | Improved sleepiness and quality of life when used. | Similar improvement in sleepiness, driving simulator scores, and sleep-related quality of life in that trial.3 |
| Travel | Needs the machine, mask, hose, and a power source. | Fits in a small case. No power or distilled water needed. |
| Noise | A low hum from the machine and occasional mask leaks. | Silent. |
| Common side effects | Mask discomfort, skin irritation, dry nose or mouth, air leaks. | Jaw or tooth soreness, extra saliva or dry mouth, and gradual bite changes with long-term use.6 |
| Follow-up | Managed by your sleep physician. | Regular dental visits plus a follow-up sleep study arranged through your physician.5 |
Oral appliance therapy side effects
Side effects, told straight.
Most side effects are mild and show up early: sore jaw muscles in the morning, tender teeth, and extra drooling or a dry mouth. The one that matters most long term is that your bite can slowly shift over years of use. That’s why regular dental follow-up is part of treatment, not optional.
In the first weeks
- Jaw soreness. Common at first, and it usually eases. It’s one reason we advance the appliance gradually.
- Tender teeth. Teeth may feel sore in the morning.
- Drooling or dry mouth. Some people make extra saliva at first. Others wake with a dry mouth. See our page on dry mouth if that lingers.
Over years
A study following patients for about 11 years on average found steady bite changes, such as front teeth overlapping less and back teeth no longer meeting fully in some people. The changes kept going as long as the appliance was used.6
That’s not a reason to skip treatment. It’s why we record your starting bite, check it at follow-up visits, and tell you if we see changes, so you and your physician can weigh them against the benefit.
Sleep apnea dentist in Jacksonville
How it works at our San Marco office.
Treatment starts with your physician’s diagnosis. Dr. Henley then examines your teeth, gums, and jaw joints to make sure an appliance is safe for you, scans your teeth, fits a custom appliance, and adjusts it gradually. A follow-up sleep study through your physician confirms whether it’s working.
Diagnosis and referral from your physician
Your physician confirms the diagnosis with a sleep study and agrees an appliance is reasonable. We coordinate with that physician throughout. Coming in for snoring alone? We’ll still ask you to see a physician first.
A dental exam to make sure it’s safe
Dr. Henley checks for decay, measures your gums, and examines your bite and jaw joints. X-rays are taken only when needed. See comprehensive dental exams. You get the fee for each step in writing before we begin.
Digital scans, then fitting
Digital scans of your teeth and a record of your jaw position shape the appliance and give us a baseline. At delivery, Dr. Henley checks the fit and shows you how to wear and clean it.
Gradual adjustment
Over the next weeks, the appliance is advanced in small steps based on how you feel, how your snoring changes, and how your jaw tolerates it.
A follow-up sleep study
Feeling better isn’t proof the appliance is controlling your apnea. Once it’s adjusted, we recommend a follow-up sleep study, arranged with your physician, to confirm it’s working.5
Ongoing dental follow-up
We check the appliance, your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite at regular visits. Appliances wear over time and may need repair or replacement.
Who shouldn’t use one
When an oral appliance isn’t the right choice.
An oral appliance needs enough healthy teeth to hold onto, stable gums, and jaw joints that tolerate being held forward. It isn’t a good fit for people with very few teeth, active gum disease, or some jaw joint problems. In those cases we’ll say so and send you back to your physician to talk about other options.
- Too few teeth. The appliance grips the teeth. With too few teeth in either jaw, there isn’t enough to hold it or move the jaw reliably.
- Active gum disease. Teeth with bone loss can loosen under the extra force. Gum disease should be treated and stable first.
- Some TMJ problems. Jaw joint pain, locking, or very limited opening can get worse with the jaw held forward. Mild or past jaw symptoms don’t always rule it out, but they need a careful look. See TMJ and TMD treatment.
- Central sleep apnea. Appliances treat obstructive sleep apnea, not central sleep apnea, which your physician manages.
This page is about adults. Snoring or breathing pauses in a child should go to your pediatrician first.
Mouth guard for sleep apnea
Store-bought snore guards vs. custom appliances.
Boil-and-bite snore guards cost less and are easy to find. In a randomized trial, though, a custom appliance worked for 60% of patients with mild sleep apnea, compared with 31% for a thermoplastic one, and most people preferred the custom device. The guideline favors custom appliances for sleep apnea.5,7
Fit and retention
In that trial, about a third of people couldn’t keep using the store-bought device, mostly because it didn’t stay in overnight.7 A custom appliance is made from scans of your own teeth.
Adjustment
Most over-the-counter guards are set once when you mold them. A custom appliance can be advanced in small steps to find the position that helps your breathing.
Cost and insurance
What affects cost, and how insurance works here.
Oral appliances for diagnosed sleep apnea are sometimes covered by medical insurance rather than dental insurance. Our office does not bill medical insurance. Ask your plan what it covers. Before treatment starts, you get the fee for each step in writing.
We don’t publish fees. Cost depends on whether dental treatment is needed first, the custom appliance itself, and the adjustment and follow-up visits. Call your insurance company and ask whether your plan covers an oral appliance for obstructive sleep apnea.
For dental care, we’re an out-of-network practice. Many dental plans still pay part of the cost, our team can help you understand your benefits, and you’re responsible for what a plan doesn’t pay. Read more on our dental insurance and payment page, or call us with your plan details to ask about fees and payment arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about sleep apnea oral appliances.
Where can I get a sleep apnea oral appliance in Jacksonville?
Dr. CJ Henley provides custom oral appliances for snoring and physician-diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea at our office at 3675 Hendricks Avenue in San Marco, Jacksonville. He does the exam, fitting, and adjustments himself and coordinates with your physician or sleep doctor. Call 904.398.1549 or request an appointment.
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
No. A physician diagnoses sleep apnea with a sleep study, in a sleep lab or with a home sleep test. We don’t run sleep tests here. If something in your history suggests sleep apnea, we’ll recommend you talk with your doctor.
Is an oral appliance as good as CPAP?
CPAP usually lowers breathing events more. But many people wear an oral appliance more consistently, and in one randomized trial daytime sleepiness and quality of life improved by similar amounts on both. Your sleep physician should help decide which fits your diagnosis, especially if your apnea is severe.
Will a snoring mouthguard stop my snoring?
For many people a custom appliance reduces snoring a lot, but we can’t promise it will stop. And because loud snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, you should see a physician before treating snoring alone. Quieter nights don’t prove your breathing is normal.
How long does it take to get used to an oral appliance?
Most people need a few weeks. Expect some morning jaw or tooth soreness and extra saliva at first, while the appliance is advanced gradually. Call us if soreness is getting worse instead of better.
Will an oral appliance change my bite?
It can, slowly. Long-term studies show the bite can shift over years of nightly use, and the changes tend to continue as long as you wear it. That’s why we record your starting bite and check it at regular visits.
Can I use one if I have TMJ problems or grind my teeth?
Sometimes. Mild or past jaw symptoms don’t always rule it out, but painful or locking joints can get worse with the jaw held forward. Dr. Henley examines your joints first. See TMJ and TMD treatment and tooth grinding.
Does insurance cover an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
Some medical plans cover oral appliances for diagnosed sleep apnea. Our office does not bill medical insurance, so ask your plan directly what it covers and what it requires. For dental benefits, see dental insurance and payment.
How much does a sleep apnea oral appliance cost?
It depends on what your exam finds, whether any dental treatment is needed first, and the follow-up involved. We don’t publish fees, but you’ll get the fee for each step in writing before anything starts. Call 904.398.1549 with your plan details to ask.
Your next step
Talk with us about a custom oral appliance.
If your physician has diagnosed sleep apnea and CPAP isn’t working for you, or you’ve been told an oral appliance is worth trying, schedule a visit with Dr. Henley in San Marco. Bring your sleep study report. He’ll examine your teeth and jaw, tell you plainly whether an appliance makes sense for you, and keep your physician in the loop.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA3675 Hendricks Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Prefer a nonurgent text? 904.762.5616 is our practice on-call and text line. Please don’t send sensitive health information by text, and call for anything urgent.
Related pages
Sources
- Peppard PE, Young T, Barnet JH, Palta M, Hagen EW, Hla KM. Increased prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in adults. Am J Epidemiol. 2013;177(9):1006-1014.
- Weaver TE, Grunstein RR. Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy: the challenge to effective treatment. Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2008;5(2):173-178.
- Phillips CL, Grunstein RR, Darendeliler MA, et al. Health outcomes of continuous positive airway pressure versus oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;187(8):879-887.
- Kapur VK, Auckley DH, Chowdhuri S, et al. Clinical practice guideline for diagnostic testing for adult obstructive sleep apnea: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(3):479-504.
- Ramar K, Dort LC, Katz SG, et al. Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring with oral appliance therapy: an update for 2015. J Clin Sleep Med. 2015;11(7):773-827.
- Pliska BT, Nam H, Chen H, Lowe AA, Almeida FR. Obstructive sleep apnea and mandibular advancement splints: occlusal effects and progression of changes associated with a decade of treatment. J Clin Sleep Med. 2014;10(12):1285-1291.
- Vanderveken OM, Devolder A, Marklund M, et al. Comparison of a custom-made and a thermoplastic oral appliance for the treatment of mild sleep apnea. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2008;178(2):197-202.