Obstructive Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Therapy in San Francisco
Anchor Dental (West Portal)

At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we provide oral appliance therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who prefer a comfortable, portable alternative to CPAP machines. This device is an alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy for those with mild to moderate OSA or for those who find CPAP uncomfortable. These custom-made appliances gently reposition the jaw to help keep the airway open during sleep, reducing snoring, nighttime awakenings, and oxygen drops. Oral appliance therapy is an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for those who cannot tolerate CPAP masks due to noise, discomfort, or air pressure issues.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep.
This causes:

• Loud snoring
• Paused breathing
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Fragmented sleep
• Daytime fatigue
• Morning headaches

Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to cardiovascular stress, decreased oxygen levels, and reduced quality of life.

Oral appliance therapy offers a simpler, quieter approach to keeping the airway open.

How oral appliance therapy works

A custom oral appliance fits over the upper and lower teeth, like a retainer.
It gently moves the lower jaw forward to prevent the airway from collapsing.

This helps:

• Reduce snoring
• Improve airflow
• Reduce oxygen drops
• Minimize nighttime awakenings
• Lower the strain on your heart and lungs

Because the device is small and easy to travel with, many patients prefer it to larger, noisy CPAP equipment.

Who is a good candidate for oral appliance therapy?

Oral appliances are ideal for:

• Patients with mild to moderate OSA
• People who can’t tolerate CPAP
• Patients needing a portable sleep apnea solution
• Individuals with positional sleep apnea (worse when sleeping on the back)
• Those looking for a quiet, comfortable treatment

Patients with severe sleep apnea may still require CPAP or a combination therapy based on their sleep physician’s recommendations.

The evaluation process at Anchor Dental

1. Sleep apnea history and symptoms

We begin by discussing your symptoms, previous sleep testing, and overall sleep quality. If you haven’t had a sleep study yet, we coordinate with local physicians or sleep centers to arrange one.

2. Dental and airway exam

We evaluate your jaw, bite, airway space, and oral health to determine whether an oral appliance is suitable.

3. Digital impressions

Using an intraoral scanner, we take digital 3D images of your teeth — no messy molds. This precise scan ensures your appliance fits comfortably and stays secure throughout the night.

4. Custom fabrication

Your appliance is made by a specialized dental sleep lab using durable materials.

5. Fitting and adjustment

Once the device arrives, we check the fit and make small adjustments to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

6. Follow-up monitoring

We track your progress and, if needed, collaborate with your sleep physician for post-treatment sleep studies to confirm improvement.

Benefits of oral appliance therapy

• Quiet, comfortable treatment
• Easy to wear and travel with
• No tubes, hoses, or air pressure
• Reduces snoring
• Improves airflow
• Better sleep quality and daytime alertness
• Less intrusive than CPAP
• High patient compliance

Most patients adjust to their appliance in just a few nights.

Types of oral appliances we provide

We use several trusted, research-supported designs:

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs)

These appliances bring the jaw forward slightly to keep the airway open. They are the most commonly used and highly effective for mild to moderate OSA.

Tongue-retaining devices

These hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent airway blockage. Used when jaw advancement is not recommended.

Combination devices

Designed for patients who occasionally use CPAP and want added flexibility.

All appliances are custom-made for comfort and stability.

What to expect when wearing your appliance

• Some patients feel mild pressure on the teeth or jaw for the first few nights
• This sensation usually fades quickly
• Most patients report noticeable improvements in snoring and sleep quality within 1–2 weeks
• Appliances are small, quiet, and easy to adapt to

We provide guidance on care, cleaning, and long-term use so your device remains effective.

Follow-up care and long-term results

Sleep apnea treatment requires monitoring, not just a one-time solution.
We schedule follow-up visits to:

• Check your bite
• Evaluate effectiveness
• Make small adjustments
• Review symptoms
• Replace worn components when necessary

Many patients also complete a post-treatment sleep study to measure improvement.

Sleep apnea in San Francisco — local patterns we see

Patients in West Portal, Noe Valley, Daly City, and Inner Sunset often have sleep apnea symptoms linked to:

• Stress-related clenching
• Night-time mouth breathing
• Allergies or congestion
• High caffeine intake
• Irregular sleep schedules
• Tech-related sedentary habits

Oral appliance therapy provides a simple, non-disruptive way to improve airflow and sleep quality.

Common questions

Is oral appliance therapy as effective as CPAP?
For mild to moderate OSA, yes — many studies show high success rates.

Is the appliance painful?
No. Mild pressure is normal at first, but discomfort usually fades quickly.

Do I still need a sleep study?
Yes. Sleep apnea diagnosis requires a medical sleep study.
We coordinate with sleep physicians as needed.

Can oral appliances stop snoring even if I don’t have sleep apnea?
Yes — they are highly effective for primary snoring as well.

What if I grind my teeth at night?
Many oral appliances double as night guards.

Why patients choose Anchor Dental for sleep apnea appliances

• Modern digital scanning for precise fit
• Collaboration with local sleep physicians
• Comfortable, evidence-based appliances
• Personalized adjustments for long-term success
• Friendly, supportive guidance throughout treatment

Under Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener, DDS, PhD, your treatment is designed around both airway health and dental comfort.

Schedule your sleep apnea appliance consultation in San Francisco

If you’re looking for a comfortable alternative to CPAP or want to improve snoring and sleep quality, oral appliance therapy may be the right choice. We’ll help you determine the best path to restful, uninterrupted sleep.