Sleep Apnea
Tired of Waking Up Tired?
If loud snoring, restless nights, or foggy mornings sound familiar, sleep apnea could be the reason. We can help you find out with a sleep evaluation, then treat it with a custom mouthguard you wear while you sleep.
Could Sleep Apnea Be Why You Feel Worn Out?
Sleep apnea happens when your airway narrows or closes while you sleep, pausing your breathing again and again through the night. It can affect anyone, at any age, even if you seem healthy otherwise.
Most people don’t know they have it. Often it’s a partner who notices first, hearing loud snoring, gasping, or quiet pauses in your breathing. If you’ve been told you snore, or you wake up with a dry mouth or a headache, it’s worth a closer look.
Common Signs to Watch For
- Loud snoring or restless sleep
- Feeling tired, even after a full night in bed
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Mood changes and irritability
- Unexpected weight gain
Why treat sleep apnea?
Each pause in breathing lowers the oxygen in your body and pulls you out of deep sleep. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems and higher risk of stroke
- Drowsy driving and slower reaction times
- Ongoing daytime fatigue
How Does a Sleep Apnea Mouthguard Work?
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom mouthguard made from a digital scan of your teeth. You wear it at night, and it gently moves your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open while you sleep. Many patients prefer it because it’s comfortable, quiet, and easy to pack when you travel.
It may be a good fit if you:
- Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Snore loudly most nights
- Have tried a CPAP machine and found it hard to use
How is it different from a store-bought mouthguard?
Over-the-counter mouthguards are made to fit everyone, so they often feel bulky and can slip out of place. Your sleep mouthguard is made from a scan of your own teeth, so it fits snugly and can be adjusted over time. Your custom fit helps it work better and feel more comfortable night after night. This can improve:
- Quieter, more restful sleep
- Better focus during the day
- A brighter mood
- Support for your heart health
Will My Insurance Help Cover It?
Often, yes. Because sleep apnea is a medical condition, your medical insurance often covers treatment, not just your dental plan. Our care team will collect your insurance details and walk you through what your plan covers before treatment begins. Bring your medical insurance card to your evaluation so we can get started right away.
What Happens During Treatment?
Your evaluation: Dr. De Vincenzo checks for signs of sleep apnea and takes a quick digital scan of your mouth. It only takes a few minutes, with no messy impressions.
Insurance support: Our team gathers your insurance information and guides you through each step.
Your sleep test: You sleep at home for one night wearing a small ring that tracks your oxygen levels. A board-certified physician reviews your results. No wires and no overnight stay at a sleep center.
Your treatment plan: We go over your results together and talk through your options, which may include a custom mouthguard. If another treatment suits you better, we’ll help you take the next step with your physician.
Your new mouthguard: You come back in to pick up your device, and we make sure it fits well before you head home. We’ll also show you how to put it in, take it out, and keep it clean.
Dr. De Vincenzo and our team at Cimarron Family Dentistry are glad to offer sleep apnea care to families in North Richland Hills. If you already see us for checkups, adding a sleep evaluation is as easy as asking at your next visit.
We know talking about snoring or feeling tired all the time can feel a little personal. That’s why we take time to listen, answer your questions, and explain each step in plain terms. You’ll never feel rushed, and you’ll always know what comes next.
Sleep Care From a Team You Already Know
Dr. De Vincenzo and our team at Cimarron Family Dentistry are glad to offer sleep apnea care to families in North Richland Hills. If you already see us for checkups, adding a sleep evaluation is as easy as asking at your next visit.
We know talking about snoring or feeling tired all the time can feel a little personal. That’s why we take time to listen, answer your questions, and explain each step in plain terms. You’ll never feel rushed, and you’ll always know what comes next.
Ready to Sleep Better?
You deserve to wake up feeling rested. Book a sleep evaluation with us, and we’ll help you take the first step toward quieter, deeper sleep.
Whether you’re a current patient or new to our practice, our team in North Richland Hills is happy to help you get back to restful nights and better days.
Frequently Asked Questions
We'll go over your costs with you before treatment starts, so there are no surprises. If your plan doesn't cover it, we'll talk through your options and help you find a way forward that works for you.
A board-certified physician reviews your sleep test and confirms the diagnosis. Dr. De Vincenzo screens for the signs, then creates and fits your custom mouthguard if it's part of your treatment plan.
Loud snoring, daytime tiredness, and trouble focusing are common signs. The only way to know for sure is a sleep test, which you can take at home.
For many people, yes. Oral appliances are often recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnea, or for people who find CPAP hard to use. Your physician and Dr. De Vincenzo will help you decide what fits you best.
Most people adjust within a few weeks. You may notice mild jaw soreness or extra saliva at first, which usually eases with time. We'll check the fit to make sure you're comfortable.
With good care, a sleep mouthguard often lasts several years. We'll check it at your regular visits and let you know when it may need a repair or replacement.
Not at all. New patients are always welcome. Just give us a call or book online, and let us know you'd like a sleep evaluation.