Sleep Aid Appliances in Gambrills, MD

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked to the point of causing significant airflow disruption — sometimes for 10 seconds or more at a time. This is dangerous because diminished airflow into the lungs lowers blood-oxygen levels. A person with sleep apnea may wake 50 or more times per hour without any memory of doing so. These awakenings, called micro-arousals, last just long enough for the individual to resume breathing — but the cumulative effect is a poor night’s sleep, night after night.

Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be easy to miss, since many of its effects happen while you’re asleep and unaware. Common signs include:

• Loud, frequent snoring
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night in bed
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• A partner reporting pauses in your breathing during sleep

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth a conversation with Dr. Auslander about whether oral appliance therapy could help.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Works

Oral appliance therapy calls upon a custom-fit device that enhances the quality of your sleep. Worn only while you sleep, the appliance gently positions your jaw forward to maintain an open upper airway, improving your breathing throughout the night. More than 100 types of sleep appliances have received FDA clearance, and Dr. Auslander will advise you on the best option for your specific needs.

Your appliance is customized using digital or physical impressions of your teeth. These models are sent to a lab, where the appliance is constructed. Once it’s ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting, and the appliance can be adjusted over time to maximize effectiveness. With proper fit and use, you’re likely to sleep better, have more energy upon waking, and feel sharper throughout the day.

Oral Appliance Therapy vs. CPAP

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are effective, but many patients find the mask, hose, and noise difficult to adjust to — which is why so many people stop using their CPAP altogether. A custom oral appliance is a small, portable, quiet alternative that requires no electricity or machine. It’s most often recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnea, or for patients who simply can’t tolerate CPAP. Dr. Auslander can help you understand whether an oral appliance is the right fit based on your diagnosis, or whether it makes sense to use alongside your current CPAP therapy.

Is Sleep Appliance Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Many oral sleep appliances are covered by medical insurance — not dental insurance — since sleep apnea is classified as a medical condition. This often surprises patients. Our team can help you understand what documentation is needed (typically a sleep study and physician diagnosis) and will work with you to verify your medical benefits before treatment begins.

For Your Sleep Partner, Too

Sleep apnea and chronic snoring don’t just affect the person experiencing them — they affect everyone sharing the bed. Many of our patients tell us their spouse or partner finally gets a full night’s rest again after starting oral appliance therapy. It’s one of the quieter benefits of treatment, but often one of the most appreciated.

Why Choose Dr. Auslander for Sleep Appliance Therapy

• Serving patients throughout Gambrills, Crofton, Odenton, and the Waugh Chapel area
• Access to more than 100 FDA-cleared appliance options, matched to your specific needs
• Custom lab-fabricated appliances with follow-up adjustments to maximize effectiveness
• Help navigating medical insurance coverage for sleep appliance therapy
• Walk-ins welcome and same-day appointments available

Scheduling Your Sleep Appliance Consultation Is Simple

If snoring or sleep apnea is affecting your rest — or your partner’s — let’s talk about whether oral appliance therapy is right for you.

1. Contact Us — Call 301-517-7335 or request an appointment online.
2. Consultation — Dr. Auslander reviews your symptoms, history, and any prior sleep study results.
3. Custom Appliance — Impressions are taken, your appliance is fabricated, and we fit and adjust it for maximum effectiveness.

Schedule Your Sleep Appliance Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Appliance

Can a dentist really treat sleep apnea?

Yes. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can provide custom oral appliances that reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep — a well-established, FDA-cleared treatment option, especially for mild to moderate cases.

What’s the difference between an oral appliance and CPAP?

CPAP uses a mask and machine to deliver continuous air pressure. An oral appliance is a small, custom-fit device worn only during sleep that repositions your jaw to keep your airway open — no machine, mask, or electricity required.

How long does it take to get used to a sleep appliance?

Most patients adjust within the first few weeks. Appliances can be adjusted over time to improve comfort and effectiveness.

Is oral appliance therapy covered by insurance?

Many sleep appliances are covered by medical insurance rather than dental insurance, since sleep apnea is a medical diagnosis. We’ll help you understand what’s needed and verify your benefits before treatment.

Do I need a sleep study before getting an appliance?

In most cases, yes — a diagnosis from a sleep study helps confirm sleep apnea and its severity, which guides the right treatment approach.

Will an oral appliance stop my snoring completely?

Many patients see significant improvement in both snoring and sleep quality, though results vary by individual. Dr. Auslander will discuss realistic expectations for your specific situation during your consultation.

Can I use an oral appliance if I can’t tolerate CPAP?

Yes. Oral appliance therapy is often recommended specifically for patients who’ve struggled to adjust to CPAP.