Screening With Clear Boundaries
We review symptoms, health history, oral structures, jaw function, and existing sleep-test information without treating a dental screening as a medical diagnosis.
Sleep & Wellness in Scottsdale
A Quieter Night Starts With the Right Evaluation
Snoring, restless sleep, and daytime fatigue deserve more than guesswork. Dr. Lori Anderson provides dental screening and custom oral appliance care in coordination with your medical sleep provider.
Snoring and Sleep-Related Breathing
Look Beyond the Noise
Snoring can happen when air moves through a narrowed upper airway during sleep. It does not always mean you have obstructive sleep apnea, but loud or frequent snoring—especially with witnessed pauses, gasping, morning headaches, or daytime sleepiness—is worth discussing with a qualified medical provider.
A dentist can screen for oral and airway factors that may contribute to sleep-related breathing problems. A physician and appropriate sleep testing establish an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis. When oral appliance therapy is prescribed or otherwise appropriate, Dr. Anderson evaluates whether your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and bite can support it comfortably.
How the Plan Is Built
An Option That Fits Into Real Life
For an appropriate patient, a custom oral appliance can offer a quiet, portable, non-invasive way to manage primary snoring or diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea.
A Device Made for You
A custom oral appliance fits over your teeth and supports the lower jaw in a forward position during sleep to help keep the airway open.
Care After Delivery
Follow-up matters. We monitor fit, comfort, bite changes, and device condition while your medical provider evaluates the treatment response when needed.
A Thoughtful Treatment Plan
What to Expect
Treatment begins with diagnosis. Dr. Anderson reviews the structures that can be preserved, the factors that affect candidacy, and the sequence required before a recommendation is made.
- A focused evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints, and airway-related concerns
- Coordination with a physician or sleep provider for diagnosis and treatment oversight
- A custom-made appliance designed for nightly wear rather than a one-size-fits-all device
- Gradual adjustment to balance airway support with comfort
- Ongoing checks for appliance wear, oral health, jaw comfort, and bite changes
- 01
Start With Screening
Tell us about snoring, sleep quality, daytime symptoms, previous testing, and any trouble using CPAP or another prescribed therapy.
- 02
Confirm the Medical Plan
If sleep apnea is suspected but not diagnosed, medical evaluation and sleep testing come first. We review the diagnosis and prescription before appliance care.
- 03
Fit and Adjust the Appliance
Your appliance is made for your mouth, delivered with use and care instructions, and adjusted over time for a practical, comfortable position.
- 04
Verify and Maintain
Follow-up with the appropriate sleep provider helps assess effectiveness. Dental visits monitor the appliance and your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw joints.
Common Questions
Answers Before You Begin
Your consultation is the place for answers specific to your smile. These are helpful starting points for the questions patients ask most often.
Does snoring mean I have sleep apnea?
No. Snoring can occur without obstructive sleep apnea, and sleep apnea can also be present without dramatic snoring. Witnessed breathing pauses, gasping, morning headaches, dry mouth, poor concentration, and daytime sleepiness are reasons to discuss testing with a medical provider.
Can a dentist diagnose obstructive sleep apnea?
A dentist can screen for risk factors and oral findings, but a medical provider diagnoses obstructive sleep apnea using your history and appropriate sleep testing. Dental Implant Institute works within that coordinated model.
Is an oral appliance the same as CPAP?
No. CPAP uses pressurized air to support breathing. An oral appliance fits inside the mouth and holds the lower jaw in a position intended to support the airway. The right option depends on the medical diagnosis, severity, preferences, and response to treatment.
Who may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy?
Oral appliance therapy may be considered for primary snoring and for some adults with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, including patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. Your physician's recommendations and a dental evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw joints guide candidacy.
Will I need follow-up after I receive the appliance?
Yes. Follow-up helps refine comfort and fit, watch for dental or jaw changes, and coordinate any needed testing to confirm treatment response. Appliances also require routine cleaning, inspection, and eventual replacement when worn.
A Private Evaluation
Stop Guessing About Your Sleep
Bring your symptoms, prior sleep-test results, and questions. We’ll explain the dental part of the evaluation and the next step that fits your situation.