(337) 595-5006
Call Now! (337) 595-5006
Schedule Online
(337) 595-5006

Oral Device Therapy at Sleep Well Louisiana

SleepWell Louisiana, led by Dr. Gina Maestri, provides a patient-centered approach to managing sleep-disordered breathing through specialized oral device therapy.

We specialize in oral device therapy, offering residents in Lafayette a comfortable and clinically proven way to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Schedule a Consultation

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea involves wearing a custom oral appliance during sleep. This oral device therapy is an effective treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) seeking non-invasive and high-quality oral devices.

How Oral Appliances Work

To understand how oral appliances work, you must look at the anatomy of the upper airway. During sleep, tissues can collapse, causing breathing pauses that characterize obstructive sleep apnea.

These dental devices are designed to support the airway and prevent such collapses.

Mandibular Advancement Mechanisms

Oral device therapy uses mandibular advancement to shift the lower jaw forward. This forward position keeps the tongue forward, ensuring the upper airway stays clear. This treatment option effectively manages moderate sleep apnea for our many local Lafayette residents.

Oral Appliance vs CPAP

Choosing between oral device therapy and continuous positive airway pressure often comes down to personal comfort and lifestyle preferences. A CPAP machine is larger and designed to deliver continuous airflow, oral appliance therapy offers a more compact and streamlined alternative.

When comparing oral appliance therapy and CPAP, factors like portability, ease of travel, and nightly routine can vary, allowing each option to suit different needs and preferences.

CPAP Intolerance Issues

Many patients cannot tolerate CPAP due to mask discomfort or loud noise. If you struggle with positive airway pressure, our oral device therapy provides a custom oral appliance to treat OSA and improve your total health.

Take the CPAP Assessment

A Discreet Sleep Solution

Oral appliance therapy offers a discreet alternative to loud machines. A sleep apnea appliance fits inside the mouth, making oral device therapy silent. Most patients prefer how this appliance simplifies their nightly routine and improves rest.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

To effectively treat obstructive sleep apnea, we customize oral device therapy for each patient. Whether managing mild to moderate cases or severe OSA, our effective treatment helps patients achieve a good night’s rest every single night.

Mild to Moderate OSA

For mild to moderate OSA, a custom oral appliance is an ideal treatment option. Research suggests that mild OSA and moderate
OSA respond well to oral device therapy, preventing progression into more severe cases later.

Managing Severe OSA

In severe cases, oral device therapy helps patients who are CPAP non-compliant. A qualified dentist uses an oral appliance to reduce breathing pauses, even when obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is advanced and difficult to manage.

At SleepWell Louisiana, oral device therapy is guided by training, experience, and a patient-first approach to care.

Talk to a Sleep Apnea Specialist

Custom vs OTC Devices

Avoid generic mouth guards or a tongue stabilizing device. A custom-fitted appliance protects your upper teeth better than tongue retaining devices. Medical-grade dental devices are essential for safe, effective treatment and long-term joint health.

ProSomnus & SomnoMed
Tech

We use mandibular repositioning appliances from ProSomnus. These mandibular advancement devices are more comfortable than an orthodontic retainer. Quality dental appliances ensure your custom-made appliance lasts and functions correctly throughout its entire clinical lifespan.

The Sleep Test Process

Your journey toward oral device therapy begins with a diagnostic sleep test. This data helps us determine the severity of your sleep apnea and ensures we provide the right sleep apnea appliance for your needs.

At-Home Testing Convenience

Our at-home sleep test monitors breathing pauses while you sleep. This convenience allows patients with mild or moderate sleep apnea to start treatment without visiting a lab for a good night’s rest.

Preventing Bite Changes

To prevent permanent changes to your bite, we monitor your oral appliance fit. Dr. Maestri ensures your jaw stays aligned, preventing the issues associated with generic mouth guards and other unprofessional or unmonitored treatment.

Improving Long-term Well-being

Oral device therapy improves your total well-being. By treating moderate obstructive sleep apnea, you reduce strain on your heart and brain. Consistent treatment through an oral appliance helps you lead a healthier, more active life.

Blood Pressure and Heart

Research suggests that treating OSA lowers high blood pressure. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease. An effective treatment plan ensures your blood pressure stays stable by keeping your airway clear all night.

How to Eliminate Snoring

You can eliminate snoring with an oral appliance. By keeping the tongue forward, the appliance stops tissue vibration. This results in quiet sleep, improving the well-being of you and your partner every single evening.
Schedule Appointment

The SleepWell Louisiana Difference: Clinical Excellence

Dr. Gina Maestri is a dentist trained specifically in the field of dental sleep medicine and oral device therapy. Choosing a qualified dentist for your oral device therapy ensures that your jaw health is protected.

Our expertise allows us to select the right mandibular repositioning devices for your unique facial structure. With Dr. Maestri, your oral device therapy is in the hands of an expert dedicated to clinical excellence.

Our Process:
From Sleep Test to Better Rest

Your journey toward better health begins with a comprehensive evaluation and a diagnostic sleep test. This data allows us to understand the frequency of your airway collapses and the severity of your sleep apnea.

You can learn more about our At-Home Sleep Testing process to see how we gather
this data. Once we have your results, we develop a plan for your good night’s rest utilizing oral device therapy. Our goal is to ensure every patient receives a custom-fitted appliance that targets their specific needs.

Reducing Daytime Sleepiness

Treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) reduces daytime sleepiness. Patients report feeling more alert after starting treatment. When you get enough oxygen, your daytime sleepiness fades, allowing for a better and much more energetic quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Oral Devices

Is the Appliance Comfortable?

Sleep apnea oral appliances are very comfortable. Unlike a CPAP machine, these devices are custom-made for your mouth. Because the device fits your teeth precisely, it feels natural after just a few weeks.

How do I Clean the Oral Device?

Clean your mandibular advancement devices daily with mild soap. Avoid hot water to prevent warping your dental devices. Proper care ensures your oral appliance remains hygienic and effective for your nightly sleep and respiratory health.

Does Insurance Cover Treatment?

Insurance often covers oral appliance therapy for moderate sleep apnea. At SleepWell Louisiana, we help patients maximize benefits for oral device therapy, including VA and Medicare coverage for your high-quality custom oral appliance.

Start Your Journey to Better Sleep

At SleepWell Louisiana, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the restful sleep you deserve through professional oral device therapy. Our expert oral device therapy provides the relief you need from sleep apnea.

Explore your Options