What to Expect During an Oral Appliance Fitting

For patients who have already been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by a physician, a custom oral appliance can be a comfortable, portable alternative to consider – evaluated on a case-by-case basis and always in coordination with the treating physician. Here is what the fitting process typically looks like at Marquez Integrative Dental Care in El Paso, TX.

Important: oral appliance therapy is a dental treatment evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. A physician diagnosis, typically through a sleep study, is required before any appliance is fitted.

Step 1: Confirming a Diagnosis

Before any fitting begins, Dr. Alfred Marquez, DDS confirms that a physician has already diagnosed OSA, usually through a sleep study. Oral appliance therapy is only evaluated as a treatment option once that diagnosis is established.

Step 2: Evaluation and Impressions

Dr. Marquez examines your teeth, jaw, and airway to determine whether you may be a candidate. If so, detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken so the appliance can be built to fit your mouth specifically – not a one-size-fits-all device.

Step 3: Custom Fabrication

Your appliance is custom-made based on those impressions. FDA-cleared oral appliances for mild to moderate OSA work by gently repositioning the lower jaw to help keep the airway open during sleep.

Step 4: Fitting and Adjustment

At the fitting appointment, Dr. Marquez checks how the appliance sits and how your bite feels. It is common to need a short adjustment period as you get used to wearing the device at night; the fit may be refined over one or more follow-up visits.

Step 5: Follow-Up Care

Follow-up visits allow Dr. Marquez to check comfort and fit over time. Your physician remains involved in monitoring how the appliance is working as part of your overall OSA treatment plan. Results vary by patient, and not everyone is a candidate for oral appliance therapy.

If you have a physician-confirmed OSA diagnosis and want to discuss whether an oral appliance may be right for you, call our El Paso office at (915) 779-6403.

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