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Blossom Dental and Facial Aesthetics

Same-day emergency appointmentsDental emergency? (386) 947-7603

900 W. Granada Blvd., Unit 5, Ormond Beach, FL

Dental sleep medicine

Sleep apnea treatment
Help for better sleep

Snoring and daytime sleepiness shouldn't be ignored. Dr. Huda, a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, offers custom oral appliances as a comfortable alternative to CPAP.

Custom oral appliance for sleep apnea treatment

Diplomate, ABDSM

Dental sleep medicine

Overview

Snoring and sleepiness shouldn't be ignored

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition that can affect your health and quality of life. It has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well as accidents at work and on the road.

OSA happens when the muscles in your throat relax during sleep and soft tissue collapses, blocking your airway. Your breathing can pause for a few seconds to more than a minute, and this can repeat hundreds of times a night. Left untreated, it also raises the risk of obesity, depression and impotence.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the conventional treatment, but up to half of patients don't stick with it. Oral appliance therapy offers a more comfortable, easy-to-use option, and Dr. Huda Aljonaidy can help you find out if it's right for you.

Advantages of oral appliance therapy

Comfortable and easy to wear

Your appliance is custom-made to fit your mouth, and it's easy to care for.

Quiet

With no machine, hose or mask, it's quiet for you and anyone who shares your room.

Made for travel

It's small, portable and convenient to pack, so your treatment goes wherever you go.

A proven alternative to CPAP

Oral appliance therapy is a clinically proven alternative to CPAP, backed by medical research for both snoring and OSA.

Sleep apnea

Are you at risk? Know the signs

Talking to your doctor about sleep problems is important. Ask your doctor, or Dr. Huda, about sleep apnea if you notice any of these signs:

  • Loud snoring
  • Waking up with a very sore or dry throat
  • Occasionally waking up choking or gasping
  • Sleepiness or low energy during the day
  • Feeling sleepy while driving
  • Waking up often during the night, or insomnia
  • Restless sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Memory problems, irritability or fatigue
  • Diabetes or another health problem

What to expect

Getting your oral appliance

01

Diagnosis and prescription

Sleep apnea is a medical condition, so your physician is part of your care. If you and your doctor decide oral appliance therapy is the best option, your doctor will write a prescription for a custom-made appliance.

02

Impressions and models

Dr. Huda takes digital or physical impressions of your teeth. They're sent to a trusted dental lab, where your appliance is custom-made.

03

A precise fit

When your appliance is ready, we fit and adjust it for comfort and effectiveness. You'll also learn how to care for it so you get the most from it over time.

04

Follow-up care

Follow-up visits help make sure your appliance keeps fitting well and working for you. They're also a chance to ask questions and fine-tune your comfort.

Oral appliance therapy

How an oral appliance works

An oral appliance is worn while you sleep, much like a sports mouth guard or an orthodontic retainer. It supports your jaw in a forward position, which helps keep your upper airway open.

Oral appliance therapy is backed by medical research for both snoring and OSA, and more than 100 oral appliances have received FDA clearance. Dr. Huda will recommend the appliance that's best for you.

Your dentist

Why see Dr. Huda for sleep apnea

Dr. Huda is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), one of the few in Central Florida, and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). These memberships give her access to ongoing education and resources that support high-quality care for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

When Dr. Huda works with your physician, oral appliance therapy is covered by many medical insurance plans, even if you don't have dental insurance. We'll go over your coverage and payment options at your visit.

Questions

Questions about sleep apnea treatment

Still wondering about something? Call us at (386) 947-7603 or send us a message, and we'll be glad to help.

Will insurance cover my oral appliance?

Oral appliance therapy is covered by many medical insurance plans when Dr. Huda works with your physician, even if you don't have dental insurance. We'll go over costs, insurance and payment options at your visit.

Is an oral appliance comfortable?

Oral appliances are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear. Yours is custom-made for your mouth and feels similar to a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer. Dr. Huda fits and adjusts it for comfort, and follow-up visits help fine-tune it.

Do I need a diagnosis before getting an oral appliance?

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that's diagnosed by a physician, usually with a sleep study. If you and your doctor decide oral appliance therapy is right for you, your doctor will write a prescription for a custom-made appliance. If you haven't been tested yet, Dr. Huda can talk with you about next steps.

Can an oral appliance replace my CPAP?

Oral appliance therapy is a clinically proven alternative to CPAP, and it's quiet, portable and easy to care for. It may be a good option if you've found CPAP hard to use. Your doctor and Dr. Huda will help you decide which treatment is best, so please don't stop using CPAP without talking to your doctor first.

Does an oral appliance help with snoring?

Oral appliance therapy is used to treat both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. By supporting your jaw in a forward position, it helps keep your airway open while you sleep. Results vary from person to person, so follow-up visits help make sure it's working well for you.

How do I get started?

Book an appointment with Dr. Huda. If you've had a sleep study or have notes from your doctor, bring them along, and she'll talk with you about whether an oral appliance is right for you.