A full, restorative night’s sleep affects mood, memory, metabolism, and heart health. Too many adults wake unrefreshed because their breathing is interrupted repeatedly during the night. Millions of people in the United States experience sleep-disordered breathing, and many are unaware of the underlying cause. At Suss Dental Group, we help patients and their physicians identify whether obstructive sleep apnea or simple snoring is disrupting their sleep and evaluate dental options that can improve breathing and overall wellbeing.
This page explains what sleep apnea looks like, how it is diagnosed, and why dental sleep medicine is a practical part of a comprehensive care plan. The goal is to give clear, actionable information so you can discuss next steps with your primary care doctor, a sleep specialist, or our dental team. We emphasize nonjudgmental, evidence-based care that fits each patient's anatomy and nightly habits.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which breathing pauses or becomes very shallow during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the soft tissues in the throat collapse or sag, narrowing the airway and reducing airflow. These interruptions can last a few seconds to longer and often occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night.
Each episode reduces oxygen levels briefly and fragments sleep architecture, preventing progression through the normal cycles of restorative sleep. Over time, these repeated disturbances contribute to daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, and increased cardiovascular strain. Central sleep apnea, which is less common, stems from the brain temporarily failing to send proper signals to breathing muscles and is managed differently.
Recognizing the mechanics of OSA helps explain why treatments that support the airway—whether with a mask that applies positive pressure or a custom dental appliance—can dramatically reduce symptoms and improve sleep quality. Our role in dental sleep medicine is to evaluate whether an oral device is appropriate, to design it for comfort and effectiveness, and to coordinate with your medical team.
Many signs of sleep apnea are obvious to a bed partner long before the affected person realizes there is a problem. Loud, habitual snoring, choking or gasping sounds during sleep, and observed pauses in breathing suggest airway obstruction. Waking frequently during the night or feeling unrested despite spending sufficient time in bed are other important nighttime clues.
Daytime symptoms are equally telling: persistent daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, and mood shifts such as irritability or low energy can all relate to poor sleep quality. People with sleep apnea may also notice dry mouth, sore throat, or frequent heartburn upon waking—symptoms that often prompt a dental evaluation.
Because these signs overlap with other conditions, a thorough history and physical exam are essential. Our team listens for the whole picture—sleep habits, medical history, medications, and oral anatomy—so we can advise whether a formal sleep study or referral to a sleep specialist is the right next step.
Diagnosis typically begins with a discussion and screening tools that help estimate risk. If sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study—either in a lab or with validated home testing equipment—measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep stages. These results define whether apnea is present and how severe it is, which guides treatment decisions.
Dentists do not diagnose sleep apnea on their own, but we play a critical role in the multidisciplinary pathway. After reviewing sleep study results and collaborating with your physician, we assess how your jaw, tongue, and bite contribute to airway collapsibility and whether a dental appliance is likely to help.
For many patients, timely diagnosis leads to measurable improvements in daytime function and long-term health risks. Coordinating care between the dental team and medical providers ensures treatment matches the nature and severity of the disorder.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the most widely prescribed therapy for moderate to severe OSA; it works by gently splinting the airway open with pressurized air delivered through a mask. While highly effective when used consistently, CPAP can be difficult for some patients to tolerate every night.
For those with mild to moderate OSA or for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliance therapy is an established and practical alternative. These devices reposition the lower jaw and tongue forward, enlarging the airway and reducing the frequency of breathing interruptions. They are removable, discreet, and newly refined designs offer improved comfort and fit.
Lifestyle measures—weight management, sleep position adjustments, and avoidance of alcohol or sedatives near bedtime—often complement device-based therapies. The most successful plans are individualized and monitored over time to ensure ongoing benefit.
Oral appliances resemble a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer but are custom-made to gently advance the lower jaw (mandibular advancement devices) or stabilize the tongue. By holding the airway structures in a more open position, these appliances reduce obstruction and associated snoring. They are most effective for people with mild to moderate OSA or for those whose primary issue is positional or anatomy-related collapse.
Candidates for oral appliance therapy typically undergo a sleep study and medical clearance first. From there, a dental evaluation includes impressions, bite records, and an assessment of jaw movements to design a device that balances airway improvement with dental comfort and long-term oral health.
Results vary by individual, but many patients notice quieter sleep, fewer awakenings, and improved daytime alertness. Follow-up care is important to adjust fit, monitor for changes in bite or jaw alignment, and confirm continued clinical benefit through periodic reassessment.
Dental sleep medicine requires attention to detail and long-term follow-up. We take a measured approach: initial screening, coordination with your medical providers, precise fabrication of the appliance, and scheduled checkups to fine-tune performance. That combination helps protect both your airway and your dental health.
Our clinicians evaluate each patient’s anatomy and lifestyle to recommend the least invasive, most effective option. When an oral appliance is chosen, we prioritize comfort, retention, and easy maintenance so that patients are more likely to wear the device consistently—an essential factor for success.
As part of a comprehensive care plan, we work closely with sleep physicians and primary care providers to ensure therapies are aligned and progress is tracked. This team-based approach helps achieve better sleep and supports overall health.
If you suspect sleep apnea or have been diagnosed and want to explore dental treatment options, contact us for more information and to arrange an evaluation. Our goal is to help you reclaim restorative sleep and the day-to-day benefits that come with it.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which the airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, causing pauses in breathing or very shallow breaths. These interruptions fragment normal sleep architecture and reduce the amount of restorative deep and REM sleep the body receives. Repeated drops in blood oxygen and frequent arousals increase daytime sleepiness and impair concentration, mood, and memory.
Over time, untreated OSA contributes to higher cardiovascular strain, elevated blood pressure, and metabolic stress that can worsen chronic conditions. It also increases the risk of daytime accidents and can undermine overall quality of life by reducing energy and resilience. Early recognition and appropriate treatment help reduce these risks and restore healthier sleep patterns.
Many people with sleep apnea experience loud, habitual snoring, observed pauses in breathing, or choking and gasping sounds during the night. They may also wake often, feel unrefreshed in the morning, or suffer from frequent headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat upon waking. Daytime symptoms commonly include persistent sleepiness, difficulty focusing, irritability, and decreased stamina for daily activities.
Because these symptoms overlap with other disorders, a careful history and collateral observations from a bed partner are important in raising suspicion for OSA. Patients with risk factors—such as larger neck size, nasal congestion, or certain jaw and tongue anatomy—should be evaluated more closely. A dental assessment can help identify oral and facial features that contribute to airway narrowing.
Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical evaluation and validated screening questionnaires that estimate the likelihood of sleep apnea. If OSA is suspected, a sleep study is typically recommended; this can be conducted in a sleep laboratory or with an approved home sleep apnea test that measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep-related events. The results classify the presence and severity of sleep-disordered breathing and guide treatment decisions.
Dentists do not independently diagnose OSA but review sleep study results and collaborate with physicians to understand the medical context. A dental evaluation then assesses the jaw, bite, and oral anatomy to determine whether an oral appliance could be beneficial. Ongoing communication between the dental and medical teams ensures that diagnosis and therapy align with the patient’s overall health needs.
Dental professionals trained in dental sleep medicine evaluate oral and craniofacial anatomy, identify risk factors for airway collapse, and determine whether a custom oral appliance is a suitable treatment option. They take impressions, record bite relationships, and design devices that reposition the lower jaw or stabilize the tongue to help keep the airway open during sleep. Dentists also monitor dental and jaw health over time to minimize side effects such as bite changes or jaw discomfort.
In addition to appliance therapy, the dental team works closely with primary care physicians and sleep specialists to coordinate care and track treatment effectiveness. Regular follow-up visits, periodic reassessment with sleep testing when indicated, and open communication with medical providers ensure that dental interventions complement medical management. This collaborative approach helps produce safer, more effective, and personalized treatment plans.
Oral appliance therapy typically uses a custom-made device that fits like a mouthguard or retainer and gently advances the lower jaw to enlarge the upper airway. By repositioning the jaw and related soft tissues, these appliances reduce the tendency for airway collapse and decrease snoring and apnea events. They are removable, discreet, and are most effective for patients with mild to moderate OSA or positional airway collapse.
Ideal candidates are medically cleared by their physician and have sleep study documentation that supports the diagnosis and severity level where an appliance is appropriate. Patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or who prefer a less obtrusive option may consider oral appliances after a coordinated evaluation. Follow-up care is essential to measure effectiveness and to adjust the device for comfort and long-term dental health.
A dental evaluation begins with a thorough medical and sleep history, questions about symptoms and nightly habits, and an intraoral examination to assess teeth, jaw movement, and airway-related anatomy. The clinician documents bite relationships and may take digital scans or impressions to plan a custom appliance. This visit also includes a discussion of the patient’s sleep study results and how appliance therapy could fit into a broader care plan.
Patients in Bergenfield, New Jersey, can expect the team to coordinate with their sleep physician or primary care provider before proceeding with treatment. If an oral appliance is recommended, the process includes precise fabrication, fitting, and follow-up adjustments to optimize comfort and effectiveness. The dental team will schedule periodic reviews to monitor progress and address any dental or jaw changes.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is highly effective at eliminating airway obstruction by delivering pressurized air that splints the airway open, and it is typically recommended for moderate to severe OSA. Oral appliances are an evidence-based alternative that mechanically reposition the jaw to reduce obstruction and are best suited for mild to moderate cases or for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. Each therapy has strengths and limitations, and choice depends on medical severity, patient tolerance, and individual anatomy.
Effectiveness is measured not only by reduction of apnea events but also by consistent nightly use, comfort, and adherence to therapy. For many patients, an oral appliance provides meaningful symptom relief and better nightly adherence compared with CPAP, while others may need CPAP to fully address severe airway collapse. A collaborative treatment plan, informed by sleep testing and medical guidance, helps determine the most appropriate option.
Several nondevice strategies can complement medical and dental treatments and improve sleep quality. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives close to bedtime, and establishing regular sleep-wake routines all reduce the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep. Positional therapy—encouraging side sleeping rather than back sleeping—can also help people whose apnea is worse when supine.
Addressing nasal congestion, smoking cessation, and managing comorbid conditions such as hypothyroidism or congestive heart failure are additional steps that support better breathing at night. These measures are not substitutes for clinically indicated therapies but often enhance overall treatment effectiveness when used alongside appliance therapy or CPAP.
Oral appliances are generally well tolerated, but some patients experience transient side effects such as jaw discomfort, excessive salivation, dry mouth, or mild tooth soreness during the adaptation phase. With long-term use, there is a small risk of dental changes, including alterations in bite alignment or tooth position, which is why periodic dental monitoring is necessary. Early recognition of these effects allows for device adjustments or alternative strategies to minimize impact.
Regular follow-up appointments enable the dental team to evaluate fit, jaw comfort, and dental changes, and to coordinate repeat sleep testing if symptoms persist. If side effects are significant or if the appliance does not sufficiently reduce apnea events, the treatment plan can be revised in collaboration with your sleep physician. The goal is to balance airway benefit with preservation of oral health.
Suss Dental Group emphasizes a team-based approach that starts with communication and shared decision-making among the patient, the sleep physician, and the dental clinician. We review sleep study reports and medical clearances before recommending an oral appliance, and we provide detailed documentation of dental findings and device specifications to the referring medical team. This collaborative workflow ensures treatments are medically appropriate and consistently monitored.
After appliance delivery, we schedule follow-up visits and share progress notes with the patient’s medical providers to confirm symptomatic and objective improvement. If additional sleep testing or medical intervention is needed, we assist in coordinating referrals and ongoing care to help patients achieve sustained, restorative sleep. Our aim is to integrate dental sleep medicine into a comprehensive plan that supports long-term health.
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