Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment in Mississauga
Loud, chronic snoring isn’t just disruptive to a household — for many people, it’s a visible sign of obstructive sleep apnea. A custom oral appliance is often a comfortable, effective alternative to a CPAP machine.
What surprises most patients is that a dentist can often help. Sleep apnea treatment Mississauga patients receive from our clinic uses a custom oral appliance for mild to moderate sleep apnea. At Eglinton Oak Dental, we provide custom oral appliance therapy for snoring and sleep apnea.
The Condition
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the soft tissue at the back of the throat relaxes during sleep and partially or fully blocks the airway, causing breathing to repeatedly pause and restart — sometimes dozens or hundreds of times a night. Each pause briefly wakes the brain (often without the person realizing it), fragmenting sleep and leading to daytime fatigue, even after what feels like a full night’s rest. Loud, chronic snoring is one of the most common and noticeable symptoms, though snoring alone doesn’t always mean a person has sleep apnea.
Warning Signs
Signs of sleep apnea to watch for
Loud, Chronic Snoring
Often noticed by a partner before the person themselves.
Gasping or Choking
Sudden sounds during sleep as breathing restarts.
Breathing Pauses
Observed by a partner, often lasting several seconds at a time.
Daytime Sleepiness
Excessive fatigue even after a full night in bed.
Morning Headaches
Often paired with a dry mouth or sore throat upon waking.
Difficulty Concentrating
Irritability and reduced focus during the day.
Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to broader health risks over time, including high blood pressure, heart problems, and increased daytime accident risk from fatigue — which is why addressing chronic snoring and suspected sleep apnea is worth taking seriously.
How dentists help treat sleep apnea
For patients diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (or primary snoring without a formal apnea diagnosis), a dentist can provide a custom oral appliance — a mouthguard-like device worn during sleep that gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue forward, keeping the airway open. This is a well-established, guideline-supported treatment option, particularly for patients who find a CPAP machine uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate long-term.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis process
Formal sleep apnea diagnosis requires a sleep study, which may be done at home with a portable monitor or at a sleep clinic overnight, ordered by your family physician or a sleep specialist. Once a diagnosis and severity level are confirmed, your physician can refer you to our clinic for oral appliance therapy if appropriate. If you haven’t had a sleep study yet but suspect sleep apnea based on your symptoms, we’re happy to discuss next steps.
Struggling with Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
Rated 4.8★ by 320+ Mississauga patients. Fill in the quick form below and we’ll call you back, or call 905-607-1112 to discuss oral appliance therapy.
Treatment
What is oral appliance therapy?
An oral appliance for sleep apnea is a custom-fitted device, similar in appearance to a sports mouthguard or retainer, worn during sleep. It works by holding the lower jaw in a slightly forward position, which prevents the tongue and soft tissue from collapsing backward and blocking the airway. Unlike a CPAP machine, it requires no electricity, no mask, and no hose — making it a popular option for patients who travel frequently or find CPAP difficult to sleep with consistently.
1. Consultation
Reviewing your sleep study results, symptoms, and dental/jaw anatomy to confirm candidacy.
2. Impressions
Precise molds and bite measurements of your teeth and jaw position.
3. Fabrication
Your appliance is custom-made specifically to fit your mouth and jaw.
4. Fitting & Follow-Up
Fine-tuned over a few visits for comfort and effectiveness, often with a follow-up sleep study.
Oral Appliance vs. CPAP: Which Is Right for You?
CPAP remains the gold-standard treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea and delivers highly effective, consistent results when used properly. However, many patients struggle with long-term CPAP compliance due to mask discomfort, noise, or the hassle of travel. An oral appliance is generally most appropriate for mild to moderate sleep apnea, or for patients with more severe apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP despite genuine attempts.
Investment
How much does an oral sleep appliance cost in Mississauga?
We provide a full written estimate at your consultation, and can help you understand what documentation your insurer may require. Many extended health and dental insurance plans cover sleep apnea oral appliances, at least partially, when supported by a physician’s diagnosis and referral.
Serving Mississauga, Erin Mills, Churchill Meadows, Streetsville & Meadowvale
Eglinton Oak Dental provides sleep apnea and snoring oral appliance therapy to patients across Mississauga, including Erin Mills, Central Erin Mills, Churchill Meadows, Streetsville, and Meadowvale.
Why Choose Eglinton Oak Dental for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Chronic snoring and poor sleep affect far more than just nighttime comfort — they affect your energy, focus, and long-term health. Our team works closely with your physician or sleep specialist to provide a custom oral appliance fitted specifically to your needs. Rated 4.8★ by more than 320 patients, we welcome consultations for snoring and sleep apnea. Call 905-607-1112 to book yours.
Frequently asked questions about sleep apnea treatment in Mississauga
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Yes, dentists can provide custom oral appliance therapy for diagnosed mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, working alongside your physician or sleep specialist.
How much does a sleep apnea oral appliance cost?
A custom-fitted oral appliance typically costs $1,800–$2,800, including fitting and follow-up adjustments.
Is an oral appliance covered by insurance?
Many extended health and dental plans cover oral appliances at least partially when supported by a physician’s diagnosis. Coverage varies by plan.
Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance?
Yes, a formal sleep apnea diagnosis and severity level from a sleep study is generally required before oral appliance therapy.
Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?
For mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances can be highly effective. CPAP remains the gold standard for moderate to severe cases, and your specialist will help determine the best option.
Can snoring alone be treated with an oral appliance?
Yes, oral appliances are also commonly used to treat primary snoring even without a formal sleep apnea diagnosis.
How long does a sleep apnea oral appliance last?
With proper care, most appliances last several years, though fit and effectiveness should be periodically rechecked.
What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?
Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, observed breathing pauses, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.