Sleep Apnea Treatment and Oral Appliances in Missoula, MT
If a sleep study says you have obstructive sleep apnea and a CPAP doesn't feel like the right fit for you, there is another way to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. Clark Fork Dental can create a retainer-like device to help treat sleep apnea. A custom oral appliance is a dental device you wear at night.
How does it work? The device holds your lower jaw slightly forward so your airway stays open instead of collapsing every time you fall asleep. We fit these at Clark Fork Dental, upstairs at 935 SW Higgins Avenue in Missoula. We are accepting new patients. Call 406.721.2686.
The appliance we fit
We use the Silent Nite by Glidewell, a custom mandibular advancement device made from an impression of your own teeth. We chose the Silent Nite because it is one of the most established appliances on the market, with over 400,000 delivered and a documented 90 percent compliance rate over two and a half years, far higher than most patients manage with CPAP. Its dual-layer design uses a soft inner liner against a durable outer shell, so it holds up to nightly wear without feeling bulky. Plus, it comes with a 3-year warranty and a no-fault remake policy if anything breaks down early.
There is no mask, no hose, no power cord, and nothing to plug in. It travels in a case about the size of a retainer box.
How the process works
Before you see us, your sleep study comes first. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, not a dentist. It may be possible to do your study at home or at a sleep clinic. If you already have a diagnosis, bring it in. If you suspect apnea but have never been tested, start with your doctor and come back to us afterwards for treatment.
Our team will perform a consultation and exam. We look at your teeth, your bite, and your jaw joints to confirm an appliance is a reasonable option for you. Not every mouth is a good candidate, and the oral appliance is not an ideal treatment for severe sleep apnea.
No messy impressions
We eliminate one of the unpleasant moments at the dentist: impression trays. We use the TRIOS 5 digital scanner instead of the old goopy impression trays. It takes a few minutes to scan your mouth and build the 3D model needed for your Silent Nite fitting, no gagging, no mess, no waiting for a tray to set.
Once your appliance comes back from the lab, we bring you in for delivery and fitting. We check the fit, show you exactly how to put it in and take it out, and set the starting position for your jaw.
From there we move into adjustment, and this is the part most people do not expect. We advance your jaw forward gradually over several weeks rather than all at once. The goal is the smallest amount of movement that actually stops the apnea events, because more advancement means more strain on your jaw joints.
Once you are dialed in, we keep an eye on things going forward. We check the appliance and your bite at every regular cleaning, and your physician may want a follow-up sleep study to confirm it is actually working.
Is an oral appliance right for me?
Oral appliance therapy is a recognized treatment for adults with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. An oral device is not the ideal or first-choice treatment for severe sleep apnea, because a CPAP provides stronger air pressure to keep the airway open.
Common Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment
Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP for sleep apnea?
CPAP reduces apnea events more effectively. Oral appliances tend to win on adherence because people actually wear them. For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, real-world results are often comparable for that reason. Your physician is the right person to weigh this for your case.
Do I need a sleep study before getting a dental sleep apnea appliance?
Yes. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, not a dentist, usually through a sleep study that can often be done at home. Clark Fork Dental fits and manages the appliance in coordination with the physician who diagnosed you.
Can I buy a sleep apnea mouthpiece online instead?
Boil-and-bite snoring mouthpieces sold online are not the same as a custom oral appliance. They are not custom fitted, not adjustable, and can move your teeth in unplanned ways. A device treating a diagnosed medical condition should be fitted and monitored by a dentist.
Does a sleep apnea oral appliance hurt to wear?
No. It feels bulky for the first few nights and then most people stop noticing it. Mild morning jaw soreness is common early on and usually resolves as you adjust.
How long before a sleep apnea oral appliance starts working?
Many people sleep better within the first week or two, though the jaw advancement is still being adjusted during that period. Full benefit typically comes after the fine-tuning is complete.
Is Clark Fork Dental accepting new patients for sleep apnea treatment in Missoula?
Yes. Clark Fork Dental is accepting new patients. Call 406.721.2686 or visit 935 SW Higgins Avenue, upstairs, Missoula, MT 59803. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Sleep apnea care is one part of what we offer. Explore our general dentistry services or our cosmetic dentistry options at Clark Fork Dental.
Want to learn more or schedule an appointment?Send a message here or call us: 406.721.2686.