Services

Sleep Dentistry

Sleep apnea screening and custom oral sleep appliances designed to reduce snoring and support healthier sleep.

Service Overview

What Is Sleep Dentistry?

If you snore, wake up feeling tired, or have been told that you pause while breathing during sleep, it may be time to look into sleep apnea treatment. At San Diego Bay Dental in Chula Vista, CA, Dr. Madison Brown and our team provide sleep apnea screening and custom oral sleep appliances designed to reduce snoring and support healthier sleep.

We use digital x-ray technology and the iTero Digital Scanner to evaluate your oral health and create a comfortable, precise fit when an appliance is recommended. Our goal is to give you clear guidance, explain your options, and coordinate with your physician when additional testing or treatment is needed.

Woman relaxing on a sofa beside large windows

Sleep dentistry focuses on identifying signs of sleep-disordered breathing and providing dental treatment options that may help manage snoring and certain cases of obstructive sleep apnea.

For some patients, oral appliance therapy can provide a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to other treatment options. These custom devices are worn while you sleep and are designed to help keep the airway open by gently repositioning the lower jaw.

Oral sleep appliances are compact, easy to travel with, and may be appropriate for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who have difficulty tolerating CPAP.

How Do Dentists Screen for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea screening begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history, and oral health. Dr. Madison Brown evaluates factors that may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing and determines whether additional medical testing may be appropriate.

Your screening may include:

A review of symptoms such as loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, or morning headaches
An oral examination to evaluate your airway anatomy and jaw position
Digital x-rays to assess your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures

Dental screening can identify signs and risk factors associated with sleep apnea, but a medical sleep study may be needed for a formal diagnosis. When appropriate, we coordinate with your physician to ensure you receive the right level of care.

STOP-BANG: a conversation about sleep apnea risk

STOP-BANG is an eight-part screening tool that considers snoring, tiredness, observed breathing pauses, blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, and sex. Reviewing these factors helps guide a discussion about whether medical evaluation is appropriate. The screening does not diagnose sleep apnea or measure its severity. A physician or sleep specialist determines which sleep testing is needed.

Learn more about the tool from the American Thoracic Society.

Oral findings we evaluate during your exam

We look at the teeth, cheeks, tongue, and arch shape as part of a complete oral examination. Findings that may prompt questions about clenching, grinding, and sleep include:

Bilateral linea alba: white lines on the inside of both cheeks, sometimes associated with friction or pressure.
Tori: bony growths on the palate or inside the lower jaw.
A narrow arch and crowding: the shape of the dental arch and how much space the teeth have.
Abfractions: notches near the gumline; these can have multiple contributing factors.
An enlarged tongue: tongue size and the space available within the mouth.
Premature tooth wear: wear patterns that need evaluation for grinding, erosion, and other causes.

These findings are not a diagnostic checklist for sleep apnea. They can occur in people without sleep apnea and must be considered alongside symptoms, medical history, and appropriate medical testing.

Clenching, grinding, and sleep-related concerns

Clenching and grinding may occur while awake or during sleep. Stress, habits, and other factors can contribute, and some people also have sleep-disordered breathing. If you wake with jaw soreness or notice tooth wear along with snoring, gasping, breathing pauses, or daytime fatigue, share that combination with our team. We evaluate tooth protection and possible sleep concerns together rather than assuming one explains the other. Read more about TMJ and bruxism care.

Manufacturer illustration of an iTero scanner and scanning wand — Digital impressions with iTero — manufacturer example.

How Do Custom Oral Sleep Appliances Work?

A custom oral sleep appliance gently positions the lower jaw forward while you sleep. This can help keep the airway more open and reduce breathing interruptions associated with certain cases of obstructive sleep apnea.

When oral appliance therapy is appropriate, we use the iTero Digital Scanner to capture detailed digital impressions. These scans help us create an appliance that fits comfortably and securely.

Benefits of oral appliance therapy may include:

Reduced snoring
Improved sleep quality
A small, portable design
Easy nightly use and care
An alternative for some patients who have difficulty using CPAP

Your appliance will require regular cleaning, periodic dental evaluations, and occasional adjustments to maintain comfort and effectiveness.

Who Is a Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is not the right solution for every patient. Treatment recommendations depend on the severity of your condition, your oral health, and other medical factors.

Candidates may include:

Adults with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
People who have difficulty tolerating CPAP
Patients looking for a portable, low-profile treatment option
People experiencing frequent snoring who need further evaluation

If we suspect severe sleep apnea or believe additional medical testing is necessary, we can help coordinate a sleep study and work with your medical team.

Treatment room at San Diego Bay Dental — Your visit starts with a conversation and an assessment of your needs.

What Should You Expect During Treatment?

Your first visit focuses on understanding your symptoms and evaluating your oral health. Dr. Madison Brown will discuss your concerns, review your findings, and explain whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate.

Treatment may include:

An initial sleep apnea screening and digital x-ray review
Digital impressions with the iTero Digital Scanner
Delivery and fitting of your custom oral appliance
Follow-up visits to evaluate comfort and progress
Adjustments to improve the fit and effectiveness of the appliance

Some patients experience reduced snoring and improved sleep as treatment progresses. Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your symptoms and make adjustments when necessary.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Chula Vista, CA

At San Diego Bay Dental, we focus on long-term care rather than one-time solutions. Dr. Madison Brown leads our sleep dentistry services and takes the time to explain your treatment options in clear, straightforward terms.

Our office uses digital x-ray technology and the iTero Digital Scanner to support accurate treatment planning and comfortable appliance fitting. When a medical evaluation or a sleep study is needed, we coordinate with your physician to help keep your care organized.

Schedule a Sleep Dentistry Consultation

Loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and interrupted breathing during sleep should not be ignored. San Diego Bay Dental provides sleep apnea screening and custom oral appliance therapy for patients in Chula Vista, CA.

Call San Diego Bay Dental today or request an appointment online to learn whether oral appliance therapy may be right for you.