Can’t Tolerate Your CPAP? See Your Dentist

If your CPAP machine is collecting more dust than results, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans struggle to stick with CPAP therapy, the traditional go-to for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The good news? You don’t have to choose between uncomfortable equipment and untreated sleep apnea.

At Riverwood Dental in Atlanta, we offer a more comfortable and lifestyle-friendly alternative: oral appliance therapy. It’s quiet, portable, and far easier to tolerate — especially if you’ve had it with CPAP masks, hoses, and nightly disruptions.

What Exactly Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This blockage causes repeated pauses in breathing — sometimes hundreds of times per night — reducing oxygen flow to the brain and body.

You may not even realize it’s happening, but the consequences can be serious.

Common signs of OSA include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Morning headaches or dry mouth
• Daytime fatigue, brain fog, or irritability
• Waking up frequently throughout the night
• Trouble focusing or staying awake during the day

Left untreated, sleep apnea increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. It can even lead to memory loss and workplace or driving accidents due to sleep deprivation.

Why CPAP Isn’t for Everyone

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is highly effective — in theory. But in reality, it only works if you can use it consistently, and that’s where many people fall short.

Common complaints about CPAP therapy:

• Discomfort from the face mask
• Claustrophobia or difficulty adjusting
• Skin irritation or dry mouth
• Noise that disrupts sleep or partner’s rest
• Inconvenience for travel
• Feeling tethered or restricted during sleep

Studies have shown that nearly 50% of CPAP users either stop using their machine or don’t use it consistently enough for it to be effective. That’s where dentists — especially those trained in dental sleep medicine — step in.

How a Dentist Can Help with Sleep Apnea

At Riverwood Dental, we offer oral appliance therapy — a comfortable, non-invasive solution that’s FDA-approved for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Rather than forcing air through the airway, these custom-made devices reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway naturally open.

Worn like a nightguard or retainer, an oral sleep appliance gently moves the lower jaw forward. This prevents soft tissue collapse and reduces the chances of airway obstruction, meaning you breathe more freely all night long.

The Perks of Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliances offer major benefits, especially for patients who cannot tolerate or simply prefer not to use CPAP.

Here’s why many of our Atlanta patients prefer oral appliances:

• Comfortable Fit: Custom-fabricated for your mouth using digital scans, they’re lightweight, smooth, and easy to wear.
• Silent Use: No motors, no air noise, no disturbing your partner.
• Simple Care: No filters, hoses, or humidifiers to clean.
• Travel Friendly: Toss it in a case and go — no power cords or bulky devices required.
• Better Compliance: Most patients find oral appliances easier to stick with over time, making them a more reliable long-term solution.

Many patients report not only better sleep, but better mornings — clearer minds, higher energy, and less grogginess.

What to Expect at Riverwood Dental

Our approach to sleep apnea treatment is personalized and thorough. We collaborate with your physician or sleep specialist when needed, and ensure every step is tailored to your comfort and health goals.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Sleep Evaluation: If you haven’t already been diagnosed with OSA, we can refer you for a home sleep test or coordinate with your sleep physician to review results.
2. Custom Appliance Design: Once approved for oral appliance therapy, we take digital impressions of your teeth to design a perfectly fitted appliance.
3. Delivery and Adjustment: When your appliance is ready, we ensure it fits properly and make any necessary adjustments for comfort and effectiveness.
4. Follow-Up and Long-Term Care: We’ll monitor your progress over time and adjust the appliance as needed to ensure optimal results.

If you’ve been struggling with CPAP — or avoiding treatment altogether — oral appliance therapy might be the solution you didn’t know existed.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Oral appliance therapy is best suited for:

• Patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA
• Individuals who snore without full apnea
• CPAP-intolerant patients looking for an alternative
• People who prefer a quieter, simpler sleep solution
• Those who travel frequently or need a portable option

Severe OSA patients may still need CPAP or a combination of therapies, but a professional evaluation at Riverwood Dental will help determine the best fit for your needs.

The Link Between Oral Health and Airway Health

Your dentist isn’t just looking at your teeth — we’re assessing your entire oral and airway system. The shape of your jaw, the position of your tongue, and the space in the back of your throat all affect how well you breathe during sleep.

Because of this, dentists with training in sleep apnea can often detect airway issues early — even before a sleep study is conducted. Treating these conditions through dental intervention not only improves sleep, but supports better heart health, brain function, and overall wellness.

What Happens If Sleep Apnea Goes Untreated?

Untreated sleep apnea is more than just a snoring problem — it’s a serious health risk.

• It increases the risk of high blood pressure by up to 70%
• People with sleep apnea are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease
• It triples the risk of stroke
• It is strongly linked to type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
• It leads to cognitive decline, memory loss, and reduced productivity

But here’s the silver lining: with the right treatment, these risks drop dramatically — and your quality of life goes up.

Start Sleeping Better — Without the Mask

You don’t have to be stuck with CPAP if it isn’t working for you. At Riverwood Dental, we’ve helped countless patients across Atlanta, Smyrna, and Vinings reclaim restful sleep with a simpler, more comfortable option.

If you’re ready to explore CPAP alternatives or want to learn more about oral appliance therapy, we’re here to help.

Call Riverwood Dental today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation and take the first step toward quieter nights, healthier days, and a treatment that actually works for you.