Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring—it’s a condition that affects your sleep quality, energy levels, and long-term health. If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you’ve likely heard about CPAP machines and oral appliances as potential treatment options. Both are effective, but the right choice depends on your unique needs and comfort level.
At our Moore County dental practice Dr. Mandy Grimshaw, DDS focuses on helping patients find sleep solutions that work effectively for their individual lifestyles. This guide explains the differences between CPAP and oral appliance therapy in simple, practical terms—so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
OSA occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, partially or completely blocking airflow. These pauses in breathing can happen dozens of times an hour, reducing oxygen levels and fragmenting sleep.
Common signs of OSA include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes or irritability
Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious health concerns. The good news is that effective dental sleep treatments can significantly improve both sleep quality and overall wellness.
Comparing the Two Main Treatment Options
For most patients, the two primary treatment options are CPAP therapy and custom oral appliance therapy. Understanding how each works helps you weigh which one aligns with your comfort and goals.
CPAP: Positive Air Pressure for Open Airways
CPAP, short for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, utilizes a small bedside machine to deliver air through a mask, thereby keeping the airway open during sleep.
Benefits of CPAP therapy include:
- Highly effective for moderate to severe OSA
- Adjustable pressure settings tailored to your needs
- Immediate improvement in oxygen flow
However, common challenges may include:
- Mask discomfort or skin irritation
- Dryness or nasal congestion
- Noise from the machine
- Difficulty traveling with equipment
While CPAP remains the gold standard for many, long-term success often depends on patient comfort and adherence to treatment.
Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom Comfort for Restful Sleep
Oral appliance therapy utilizes a small, custom-fitted device that resembles a mouthguard. It works by gently repositioning your lower jaw forward, helping keep the airway open naturally throughout the night.
As part of our comprehensive dental care in Aberdeen, Dr. Grimshaw provides the MicrO2™ oral appliance, a small and comfortable treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea or patients who can’t tolerate CPAP.
Advantages of oral appliance therapy:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Quiet, compact, and travel-friendly
- No hoses, noise, or electricity
- Often preferred for long-term consistency
Things to consider:
- May require adjustment periods
- Periodic follow-up visits to ensure fit and function
- Not typically recommended for severe OSA
Who Is a Good Candidate for Each Option?
Your diagnosis, symptoms, and comfort preferences all play a role in determining the right therapy.
Oral appliance therapy may be ideal if you:
- Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Struggle to tolerate CPAP masks or tubing
- Travel frequently or prefer a quiet, portable solution
- Want a treatment that feels natural and easy to maintain
CPAP therapy may be best if you:
- Have severe sleep apnea
- Need higher, consistent air pressure support
- Are comfortable using mask-based treatment nightly
In some cases, combination therapy—using an oral appliance with lower CPAP pressure—can enhance comfort and effectiveness. Collaboration between your dentist and sleep physician ensures the right balance for your health needs.
Comfort, Lifestyle, and Adherence Factors
The best treatment is the one you can use comfortably every night. Your daily routine and preferences significantly impact the success of therapy.
Consider the following:
- Travel: Oral appliances fit in a small case; CPAP machines require additional gear and power.
- Noise: CPAP units emit sound, while oral appliances are completely silent.
- Sleep partners: Both reduce snoring, but oral appliances eliminate the noise of a hose or mask.
- Maintenance: Oral appliances are simple to clean; CPAP machines require regular care of the mask and tubing.
Comfort is built into every stage of treatment, beginning with advanced diagnostic tools that ensure your oral appliance fits perfectly and functions naturally.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
With a focus on preventive dental care and patient comfort, Dr. Grimshaw creates precisely fitted oral appliances that improve sleep and long-term health.
Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation and Collaboration
Dr. Mandy Grimshaw begins with a detailed consultation to review your sleep history, discuss prior CPAP experiences, and evaluate your airway and bite. The team also coordinates with your physician to align your dental treatment with your medical diagnosis and the results of your sleep study.
Step 2: Relaxing the Jaw With K7 and TENS
To achieve a natural, comfortable fit, Dr. Grimshaw utilizes advanced neuromuscular tools, including the K7 Evaluation System and TENS therapy, to measure muscle activity and determine your jaw’s ideal rest position. This helps minimize side effects, such as morning jaw stiffness or bite changes.
This same diagnostic precision is used in our TMJ and bite alignment treatments, which focus on improving comfort and balance in the jaw joints.
Step 3: Digital Impressions With 3D Cone Beam
Next, a 3D Cone Beam scan captures highly accurate digital impressions—no messy trays required. This technology allows the MicrO2 appliance to be designed and milled with exceptional precision, improving comfort and reducing adjustment time.
The use of digital tools such as K7, TENS, and Cone Beam imaging reflects our investment in advanced dental technology designed to make treatment more comfortable and predictable.
Step 4: Fitting, Adjustments, and Follow-Ups
Once your custom appliance is ready, you’ll return for fitting and bite verification. Dr. Grimshaw makes minor adjustments to ensure comfort and effectiveness, then schedules follow-ups to evaluate symptom relief and sleep quality.
CPAP: When It May Be the Preferred Option
For patients with more severe sleep apnea, or those who already use CPAP successfully, continuing with pressure-based therapy may be the right approach. Modern CPAP machines are smaller and quieter than their older counterparts, and various mask types offer greater customization options.
If you find CPAP uncomfortable, however, oral appliance therapy can still serve as an alternative or complementary option under your doctor’s supervision.
Preventing and Managing Side Effects
Both CPAP and oral appliance therapies can have side effects—but most are manageable with proper guidance.
For oral appliances:
- Morning bite changes are addressed with alignment exercises and careful fitting.
- Jaw stiffness is reduced by the K7/TENS-guided protocol and follow-up adjustments.
- Routine cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and keeps the appliance fresh.
For CPAP:
- Mask irritation and air leaks can be minimized by choosing the right mask style.
- Dryness can be reduced by adding a humidifier.
As part of our comprehensive dental care in Aberdeen, we focus on long-term comfort by checking your appliance regularly to preserve both its fit and your bite alignment.
Expected Results and Benefits
When worn consistently, both CPAP and oral appliance therapy can:
- Reduce or eliminate snoring
- Improve sleep quality and oxygen levels
- Increase daytime energy and focus
- Lower the risk of cardiovascular strain
Patients receiving sleep apnea care in Moore County often notice improved focus, reduced fatigue, and more restful sleep within the first few weeks of therapy
Common Questions About Oral Appliance Therapy
A Personalized Approach to Better Sleep
Through preventive dental care focused on whole-body wellness, Dr. Mandy Grimshaw helps patients throughout Moore County—including Aberdeen, Pinehurst, and Southern Pines—address sleep apnea with comfort and confidence. If you’re considering an alternative to CPAP, a custom oral appliance can help restore restful sleep and better health.
Sleep Better, Live Better
If you’re struggling with CPAP or suspect you have sleep apnea, now is the time to take action. Schedule a consultation with our Moore County sleep apnea dentist in Aberdeen, NC, to explore custom oral appliance therapy and rediscover restful sleep. Call us today at (910) 692-4450 to get started.
