A custom oral appliance is made for your mouth and worn during sleep. It can support the lower jaw in a position that helps keep the upper airway open. For diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Dawson provides the dental portion of care in coordination with the medical provider who establishes the diagnosis and directs the medical plan.
How Dr. Dawson selects a design
There is no single best device for everyone, and patients do not select one from a catalog. After reviewing the sleep diagnosis and prescription, Dr. Dawson examines the teeth, existing dental work, bite, jaw joints, available range of motion, retention, and oral health. Comfort, materials, design, patient preference, and medical-insurance requirements may also matter.
What makes a professionally fitted appliance different
A custom, titratable design can be adjusted gradually. Digital scans or impressions guide fabrication, while delivery visits establish fit and care instructions. Follow-up monitors comfort, teeth, bite, and jaw joints. Your physician should coordinate appropriate testing after titration to verify the response to treatment.
Appliance designs are selected for you
Custom appliances differ in materials, shape, and how they are adjusted. After your evaluation, Dr. Dawson will explain the design he recommends, why it fits your needs, and how to use and care for that specific appliance. You will receive instructions for the appliance you receive at delivery.
A closer look at custom appliance designs
These photos show examples of designs that may be considered during individualized care. They are not a menu to choose from, and a photograph alone cannot show which design will fit your teeth, bite, jaw joints, medical needs, and comfort.
Panthera X3
A digitally made, lightweight nylon design with dorsal fins and a clip-on system for gradual adjustment. Its shape and adjustment approach may be useful for some patients, depending on the dental evaluation and treatment plan.
Panthera Classic
This custom nylon design connects its upper and lower pieces with interchangeable side rods. Rod changes allow measured adjustment, while the fit and retention can be tailored to a patient’s dental anatomy.
ProSomnus EVO
A clear, custom anatomical design with a post-based mechanism. Its staged advancement approach allows the dental team to adjust the position over time while checking fit, comfort, and treatment response.
Device details and availability can change. Dr. Dawson recommends an appropriate design only after evaluation and, for obstructive sleep apnea, review of the medical diagnosis and prescription.
Snoring and sleep apnea
A custom appliance may also be considered for primary snoring when clinically appropriate. Snoring can occur with obstructive sleep apnea, so an appropriate medical evaluation matters before treating it as an isolated complaint. Quieter snoring is not proof that diagnosed OSA is controlled.
Learn more: oral appliance therapy, candidacy, custom versus over-the-counter mouthguards, and care resources.
Talk with us about your options
Request a consultation or call (623) 566-1310. We serve Peoria, Sun City, Surprise, and the Northwest Valley.