Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment in Irvine

Snoring is not just noise. It can be a sign that your airway is narrowing or closing while you sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) interrupts breathing again and again through the night. Over time it is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, daytime fatigue, and trouble concentrating. CPAP works well, but many people can't sleep with a mask and hose. If that is you, there are other options.

Dr. Samira Shafaee leads sleep apnea care at Barranca Canyon Dentistry. She provides custom oral appliance therapy and works directly with your physician.

A dentist's role in sleep apnea care

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, using a sleep study done at home or in a sleep lab. A dentist does not diagnose it. Once you have a diagnosis, Dr. Shafaee:

  • reviews your sleep study results

  • examines your teeth, jaw, and airway

  • designs and fits a custom oral appliance

  • stays in contact with your physician so your care is coordinated

We are part of your care team, not a replacement for your physician.

Who oral appliance therapy is for

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine recommend oral appliance therapy for adults with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP or who prefer an alternative (Ramar et al., Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2015). Oral appliances are most often used for:

  • mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea

  • severe sleep apnea when CPAP has not worked for you

  • snoring, once your physician has confirmed it is not sleep apnea

For severe sleep apnea, CPAP usually remains the first choice. We will tell you honestly if an appliance is not the right fit.

How treatment works

  1. Consultation and sleep study review. We review your results, your health history, and your goals.

  2. Digital 3D scan. Our office is fully digital. No impression trays or "goopy" molds.

  3. Choosing your appliance. Dr. Shafaee works with several dental laboratories to match the device to your mouth, your jaw, and how you sleep.

  4. Fitting and adjustment. Most appliances hold your lower jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open. We adjust the position in small steps over several visits.

  5. Follow-up testing. Your physician will usually order a follow-up sleep study to confirm the appliance is working.

Oral appliance or CPAP?

  • Oral appliance: a custom mouthpiece worn at night. Silent, and it fits in a small travel case. Strongest evidence for mild to moderate OSA, or when CPAP is not tolerated.

  • CPAP: a mask connected to an air pump. Low machine noise, and travel means packing the machine, hose, and mask. Effective at all levels of OSA, including severe.

Cost and insurance

  • Consultation and airway assessment: $135, applied to the cost of your appliance if you go ahead.

  • Oral appliances: $750 to $4,500, depending on the design and material. This includes lab fees, adjustments, and follow-up visits for the first 6 months.

  • Insurance: We do not bill medical insurance directly for sleep apnea appliances. We give you the documentation you need to request reimbursement, and your insurer pays you directly. Coverage varies by plan.

Materials

Our appliances are made from medical-grade materials that are BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free, and gluten-free. Material safety data sheets are available on request.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a sleep study before my visit?

Yes, for sleep apnea treatment. If you have not had one, talk with your physician first. If you only snore, your physician should still confirm it is not sleep apnea before you get a snore guard.

Will an oral appliance change my bite?

It can. Some people notice jaw soreness, extra saliva, or a slight change in how their teeth meet, especially in the first weeks. We check your bite at every follow-up visit and adjust the appliance as needed.

I gag easily. Can I still be treated?

Yes. We use a 3D digital scanner instead of impression trays, and most appliances are slim.

Is all snoring a sign of sleep apnea?

No, but many people who snore do have sleep apnea. Loud snoring with gasping, pauses in breathing, or daytime sleepiness is worth discussing with your physician.

Related care

Jaw pain, clenching, and grinding often travel with sleep problems. Learn about our headache and TMJ therapies, including custom night guards.

Ready to talk about a CPAP alternative? Call (949) 654-4654 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shafaee.