Sleep Apnea Treatment in Southwest Houston
Do you wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Have you been told you snore loudly or stop breathing during the night? You could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea — a common yet serious condition that affects your sleep, health, and quality of life. At Griffith Dental Associates, we provide custom oral appliance therapy as a comfortable, non-CPAP solution to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
Conveniently located in Fondren Southwest, we treat patients from Sharpstown, Bellaire, Gulfton, and across Southwest Houston with personalized sleep apnea care tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse during sleep, temporarily blocking airflow. This interruption can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night, causing oxygen levels to drop and sleep to become fragmented.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
- Gasping or choking at night
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
- Irritability or mood swings
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your rest — it increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke if left untreated.
How We Treat Sleep Apnea
At Griffith Dental Associates, we offer oral appliance therapy — a non-invasive, comfortable alternative to CPAP machines. These small, custom-made devices reposition your lower jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open during sleep.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
- Quiet, compact, and travel-friendly
- No electricity or mask required
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Often covered by medical insurance
- Effective for mild to moderate OSA or CPAP-intolerant patients
We work closely with your sleep physician to ensure coordinated care. If you haven’t been formally diagnosed yet, we can refer you to a trusted sleep specialist for an at-home or in-lab sleep study.
You can also learn how this treatment fits into our holistic dental philosophy by visiting our Specialty Services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
We focus on prevention, whole-person wellness, and long-term relationships. Our care is designed to support not just oral health, but overall well-being.
Still have questions?
Is oral appliance therapy as effective as CPAP?
For many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances provide comparable relief to CPAP — especially when worn consistently. They are also a helpful solution for those who can’t tolerate or travel with a CPAP machine.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
A formal diagnosis is needed through a sleep study, which records your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep quality. We can guide you through the process and refer you to a qualified sleep physician.
Is the appliance uncomfortable to wear?
Most patients adjust to wearing the appliance within a few nights. It’s small, custom-fitted, and designed to rest comfortably in your mouth without restricting movement.
How long does the treatment take?
Once you’ve been diagnosed and we determine that an oral appliance is appropriate, we take impressions and fit your device within 1–2 weeks. Follow-up visits ensure that it’s working effectively and comfortably.
Will medical insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?
Yes, many medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea. We’ll help you verify your benefits and coordinate with your physician when necessary.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
Don’t let sleep apnea continue to affect your health and quality of life. At Griffith Dental Associates, we offer gentle, effective treatment options that help you breathe better, sleep deeper, and feel more energized every day.
Call us at (713) 523-1666 or request your consultation online. We proudly serve patients in Fondren Southwest, Sharpstown, Bellaire, and throughout Southwest Houston.