If you snore, wake up tired, or struggle with daytime fatigue, you may be experiencing the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While many people associate sleep apnea treatment with bulky CPAP machines, dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can offer a quieter, more comfortable solution: oral appliance therapy.

At our Olympia, WA dental office, we help patients control their sleep and overall health through customized sleep treatments. This article describes what to expect at your consultation, how the diagnosis process works, and what happens next if you’re a good candidate for oral appliance therapy.

Why a Dental Consultation for Sleep Apnea Matters

Sleep apnea can have a major impact on your quality of life, increasing your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, memory issues, and more. While CPAP therapy remains a common treatment, it’s not right for everyone.

That’s where dental sleep medicine comes in. A dental sleep consultation offers an alternative path to relief. It helps determine whether a custom oral appliance might work for you—without a CPAP machine’s noise, tubes, or discomfort. If you’ve been diagnosed with OSA or suspect you may have it, this consultation is the first step toward reclaiming better sleep.

What Happens During Your Sleep Apnea Consultation at Impressions Dentistry

At your consultation, we take time to understand your health, lifestyle, and sleep challenges. This visit isn’t rushed or one-size-fits-all—it’s personalized from the start.

Medical and Sleep History Review

Our sleep apnea dentist will review your general health, sleep habits, and any history of snoring or diagnosed sleep disorders. You’ll also be asked about symptoms such as:

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Waking up gasping or choking
  • Excessive tiredness during the day
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty focusing or mood changes

If you’ve previously been prescribed CPAP therapy and found it challenging to use, we’ll make note of that as well. Understanding your full picture helps us tailor your treatment.

Examining Your Airway and Bite

Next, we’ll perform a physical exam to assess your jaw, tongue, and airway. Our goal is to determine whether your anatomy supports using a custom oral appliance.

We examine:

  • The position and size of your tongue
  • Jaw alignment and how your bite closes
  • Airway openness when you lie back
  • Signs of teeth grinding or clenching (often linked to airway issues)

This part of the evaluation helps us determine whether you may benefit from a sleep apnea treatment that supports your airway from the dental perspective.

Discussing or Referring for a Sleep Study

A formal diagnosis is required before we can begin oral appliance therapy. If you’ve already had a sleep study, we’ll review the results with you. If you haven’t, we may refer you for a home sleep test or to a sleep physician we trust.

This collaboration ensures you receive a complete diagnosis and that your treatment plan is grounded in accurate data.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a comfortable, effective option for many people with sleep apnea, especially those who can’t tolerate CPAP. During your consultation, we’ll review the criteria for treatment candidacy and walk you through your options.

You may be a strong candidate for oral appliance therapy if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
  • Struggle with CPAP compliance or travel frequently
  • Are seeking a quieter, easier-to-maintain treatment
  • Want a non-invasive option that doesn’t interfere with sleep position

We’ll also discuss the length of treatment, how the appliance works, and how success is monitored over time.

What to Expect After the Diagnosis

If your sleep study confirms obstructive sleep apnea and you’re cleared for treatment, we begin designing your appliance. The goal is to create a custom solution that gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open throughout the night.

Appliance Design and Customization

We use digital scans or impressions to create a model of your bite. Your appliance is custom-fabricated by a professional dental lab, ensuring it fits securely and comfortably.

This device looks similar to a nightguard or sports mouthguard but is designed to support your airway while you sleep.

Fitting and Follow-Up

Once your oral appliance arrives, we’ll fit it to your mouth and make any necessary adjustments. During this visit, we’ll explain:

  • How to wear and insert the appliance
  • How to clean and store it properly
  • What to expect during the first few nights

We’ll also schedule a follow-up to ensure the device works as intended and make fine-tuned adjustments if needed. For tips on maintaining your device, see our article on caring for your oral appliance.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy Over CPAP

Oral appliance therapy isn’t just about comfort—it’s about helping patients actually use and benefit from treatment. Many CPAP users stop using their machines because of discomfort, noise, or inconvenience. Oral appliances offer a more approachable alternative for many.

Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:

  • Small, silent, and easy to transport
  • No hoses, straps, or air pressure
  • Greater comfort for side sleepers
  • Simple nightly routine with easy maintenance
  • Higher patient compliance and satisfaction

Schedule Your Sleep Consultation in Olympia, WA

If you’ve been living with sleep apnea or suspect that poor sleep is affecting your health, we’re here to help. At Impressions Dentistry, we provide patient-centered care that focuses on comfort, results, and long-term health. Our dental sleep medicine services are designed to fit your lifestyle—and help you wake up feeling rested again.

To schedule your consultation and determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you, call us today at (360) 493-1866.