If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea—or your partner says your snoring is getting out of control—you may be looking for a treatment that actually fits your life. CPAP can be incredibly effective, but many patients struggle with the mask, pressure, dryness, noise, or simply the inconvenience.
At Aerni Dental in Strongsville, Dr. William Aerni offers custom sleep apnea appliances (also called oral appliances or mandibular advancement devices) designed to help keep your airway open while you sleep—without a CPAP machine.
What is a sleep apnea appliance?
A sleep apnea appliance is a custom-fitted mouthpiece you wear at night—similar in size and feel to a sports mouthguard, but designed specifically to improve breathing during sleep.
Most oral appliances work by gently:
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Repositioning the lower jaw forward, and/or
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Supporting the tongue so it doesn’t fall back into the airway
By improving airway space and reducing collapse of soft tissues, an appliance can help:
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Reduce or eliminate snoring
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Decrease apnea events (pauses in breathing)
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Improve sleep quality and daytime energy
Oral appliances are most commonly used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring.
Important note: Oral appliances are not used to treat central sleep apnea (where breathing pauses are related to the brain’s respiratory signals). If you’re unsure what type you have, we can help you understand your diagnosis.
Benefits of an oral appliance vs. CPAP
For the right patient, sleep apnea appliances can be a great alternative to CPAP:
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No mask or hose
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Quiet and portable (easy for travel)
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Simple nightly routine
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Comfortable for many CPAP-intolerant patients
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Often improves snoring significantly
Many patients find they’re more consistent with an appliance than CPAP—because it’s easier to use nightly.
Who is a good candidate for a sleep apnea appliance?
Oral appliance therapy is often ideal if you:
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Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
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Snore heavily, especially if it affects your partner
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Can’t tolerate CPAP or don’t use it consistently
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Want a lower-profile, travel-friendly option
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Have a sleep study confirming OSA (or you suspect OSA and need evaluation)
In some cases, patients with severe OSA may use an oral appliance when CPAP isn’t tolerated—often as a “better than nothing” option or as part of a combined treatment plan.
Dr. Aerni will evaluate whether your bite, jaw joint health (TMJ), teeth/gums, and airway anatomy make an appliance a good fit.
What the process looks like at Aerni Dental
1) Consultation + review of your sleep diagnosis
We’ll review your symptoms (snoring, fatigue, morning headaches, waking up gasping, etc.) and discuss any previous sleep study results.
If you haven’t had a sleep study yet, we can help guide you toward the right next step with a sleep physician.
2) Exam to confirm appliance compatibility
We’ll evaluate:
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Your teeth and gum health
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Your jaw function and bite alignment
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Any TMJ concerns
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Your airway and oral anatomy
3) Custom appliance design + fitting
We’ll take precise records (digital scans or impressions) and have your appliance fabricated for your mouth—not a generic boil-and-bite device.
At your fitting visit, we’ll ensure:
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Proper comfort and retention
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The right starting jaw position
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Clear instructions for use and care
4) Adjustment and titration (dialing it in)
Oral appliances are not “set it and forget it.” We fine-tune the position over time to maximize airflow while keeping the jaw comfortable.
5) Follow-up and verification
For confirmed OSA cases, we often recommend follow-up testing through your sleep physician (or a home sleep test) to verify that the appliance is effectively reducing apnea events.
What does it feel like to sleep with one?
Most patients adapt quickly, but it’s normal to experience mild temporary effects at first, such as:
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A sense of “fullness” in the mouth
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Mild jaw or tooth soreness
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Extra saliva (or dryness) for the first few nights
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Temporary bite changes upon waking (usually resolves within minutes)
We’ll guide you through the adjustment period and make sure your appliance fits comfortably and safely.
How oral appliances and laser therapy can work together
For some patients, the best results come from combining treatments:
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An oral appliance helps reposition the jaw/tongue
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Non-invasive laser therapy may help tighten and lift soft tissues of the throat
If you’re interested in Dr. Aerni’s laser sleep apnea option as well, we can discuss whether a combined approach makes sense based on your diagnosis and anatomy.
Caring for your appliance
Keeping your appliance clean and in good condition is simple:
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Rinse and brush it daily (gentle brush, non-abrasive cleaner)
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Store it dry in its case
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Avoid hot water (can warp it)
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Bring it to checkups so we can assess wear and fit
Like many dental devices, appliances can last for years with good care, but may eventually need replacement due to normal wear.
Frequently asked questions
Is a sleep apnea appliance the same as a snoring mouthguard?
Not exactly. Some appliances are designed primarily for snoring, but appliances used for obstructive sleep apnea are typically custom-made and adjusted (titrated) to meaningfully improve airflow.
Do I need a sleep study first?
If you suspect sleep apnea, a sleep study is the safest way to confirm your diagnosis and severity. We can help you understand your options for testing and coordinate as needed.
Will an appliance cure my sleep apnea?
Some patients—especially with mild OSA—may reach normal breathing levels with an appliance. Others may see partial improvement and feel better, but still have residual apnea. The goal is effective, verified treatment that improves health and quality of life.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, especially when CPAP is not tolerated. Our team can help you understand benefits and documentation.
Schedule an evaluation for sleep apnea treatment in Strongsville
Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring—it can affect your energy, focus, mood, and long-term health. If CPAP hasn’t worked for you, a custom sleep apnea appliance may be a more comfortable path forward.
Call Aerni Dental at (440) 238-6141 or request an appointment to talk with Dr. Aerni about:
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Sleep apnea appliances (oral appliance therapy)
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Snoring treatment options
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Laser-based sleep apnea therapy (for appropriate candidates)
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Next steps for diagnosis and follow-up testing