Sleep Dentistry
Sleep Dentistry in Boca Raton, FL
If snoring or sleep apnea is stealing your rest, a custom mandibular repositioning device made at Elite Boca Dental can hold your jaw forward so you can breathe through the night, with no CPAP mask.
Call (561) 482-7008 Request an Appointment
What Is Included
- A review of your symptoms and any sleep study results you already have
- An examination, including the size and position of your tongue
- A mold of your lower jaw, taken by a dental assistant
- A custom mandibular repositioning device (MRD) fitted by Dr. Pechan
- Follow-up to adjust the fit as you get used to wearing it
How It Works
- Dr. Pechan reviews your sleep study results, or your symptoms if you have no study.
- A mold of your lower jaw is made for your device.
- Your custom MRD is fitted and adjusted.
- You wear it at night; it holds your jaw forward so your airway stays open.
Good to Know
An MRD is less expensive and less time-consuming than a sleep test plus a CPAP machine, and many patients who could not tolerate CPAP do well with one. It works best for mild sleep apnea. Untreated apnea raises the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke, so do not ignore the snoring.
Questions, answered first
Sleep Dentistry Questions
What is a mandibular repositioning device?
A mandibular repositioning device, or MRD, is a custom oral device you wear at night. It holds your lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps your tongue away from the back of your throat so air can keep moving while you sleep. It is not the same as a night guard for teeth grinding, which does nothing to reposition your jaw.
Do I need a sleep test before getting an MRD?
Not always. Dr. Pechan can review your situation and, in many cases, fit an MRD without a new sleep test, unless your dental insurance requires one. You can also get a sleep apnea test through your primary care physician if you prefer. At your exam, Dr. Pechan will also look at your tongue, since a large tongue can fall back during sleep and block the airway.
I could not get along with a CPAP machine. Is this an alternative?
For many patients with mild sleep apnea, yes. Sleep dentistry exists for people who have not had success with a CPAP machine or who do not want to use one. An MRD is smaller, quieter, and easier to travel with than a CPAP, and there is no mask or hose. Dr. Pechan will review your sleep study results if you have them and tell you honestly whether an MRD fits your case.
What are the signs I might have sleep apnea?
Common signs include loud snoring, a partner noticing that you stop breathing for a few moments at night, waking up gasping, and feeling tired during the day even after a full night of rest, including needing an afternoon nap. Untreated sleep apnea is linked with higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke, so it is worth asking about.
Related Services
Ready to book your visit?
Call the office, send a request, or book on Zocdoc. Whatever is easiest for you.