A small device.
A different way
to treat sleep apnea.
A custom oral appliance, also called a mandibular advancement device (MAD), gently supports your lower jaw forward to help keep your airway open while you sleep.
Discuss your optionsOral appliance therapy in Raleigh, NC
A custom fit.
Support for your airway.
Worn over your teeth during sleep, the appliance supports a forward jaw position to help reduce airway collapse.
Unlike a store-bought mouthguard, it is prescribed and fitted for your needs, then adjusted and monitored over time.
Learn how oral appliance therapy worksMade for you
Digital scans or impressions guide a fit that’s specific to your teeth and jaw.
Simple to bring along
A compact device without a hose, motor, or electrical connection.
Supported over time
Follow-up visits help address fit, comfort, and treatment effectiveness.
Your appliance.
Selected for you.
Dr. DeSaix works with multiple appliance designs and manufacturers. Together, we consider your clinical needs, comfort, preferences, and coverage requirements to choose an appropriate fit.
Explore our appliance optionsIs oral appliance therapy right for you?
Your sleep study, health history, teeth, jaw, and treatment experience guide suitability. Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea requires a physician’s diagnosis and prescription, along with a dental evaluation.
It may be an option if…
- You have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
- You have trouble tolerating or consistently using CPAP.
- Your care team recommends an oral appliance as part of combined therapy.
Personalized care matters.
Oral appliance therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone. CPAP is often the most effective therapy overall, and severe sleep apnea needs careful evaluation.
Do not stop prescribed treatment without speaking with your medical provider.
Learn about combined therapyFitting, adjustment & follow-up.
Dental monitoring and follow-up sleep testing help your care team assess comfort and effectiveness.
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1
Understand your sleep
We review symptoms, previous treatment, and any sleep study. If you need a diagnosis, we help you understand the next step.
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2
Create your custom fit
Digital scans or impressions help us plan an appliance around your teeth and bite.
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3
Fit and adjust
We explain how to wear and care for your device, then adjust it as needed for comfort and treatment goals.
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4
Follow through
Ongoing monitoring and coordination with your care team help us assess how treatment is working.
Care led by Dr. Ashley DeSaix
DDS, MPH, D-ABDSM · Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Oral appliance questions.
Have something else on your mind?
Call 919-307-8960.
Is this the same as a mouthguard?
No. A custom sleep appliance is designed to support your jaw position for breathing during sleep. It is prescribed, fitted, adjusted, and monitored as part of a treatment plan.
Can it affect my teeth or jaw?
Possible side effects include jaw soreness, tooth discomfort, and bite changes. Tell us about discomfort so we can evaluate the fit and make appropriate adjustments. Follow-up matters.
How does it compare with CPAP?
The right choice depends on severity, anatomy, health history, and treatment response. CPAP is often the most effective option overall. Some people benefit from oral appliance therapy or an appliance combined with CPAP.
Will insurance help with the cost?
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is generally considered under medical insurance rather than routine dental benefits. Costs depend on the recommended care and your plan. Ask what your estimate includes; benefits verification does not guarantee payment. See insurance and treatment-cost information.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring any previous sleep study and information about your current treatment. If you are not sure what you need, contact our team before your visit.
Explore
oral appliance therapy.
Ask about an evaluation, treatment costs, and what ongoing care involves.