Quieter NightsBetter Rest
Loud snoring and interrupted, unrefreshing sleep can be signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), when the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. For many people with mild-to-moderate OSA, and for those who can't tolerate CPAP, a custom oral appliance offers a quieter, more comfortable path to better rest.
The appliance looks like a sturdy retainer and is worn only during sleep. It gently holds your lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open. At D Street Dental Group, Dr. Steve fits it precisely to your anatomy and coordinates with your sleep physician so your care is connected, not fragmented.
This May Be Right If You
- Snore loudly or have been told you stop breathing in your sleep
- Have been diagnosed with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Have tried CPAP but find the mask or hose hard to tolerate
- Wake up unrested, or want a portable, travel-friendly option
What to Expect
- Consultation We review your history and symptoms and confirm a diagnosis from your sleep physician.
- Physician coordination We work with your sleep team to make sure an oral appliance is appropriate for you.
- Custom fitting Impressions are taken and your appliance is fabricated to your exact anatomy.
- Follow-up & refinement We adjust the fit and check in with your sleep physician on how it's working.
Why D Street Dental Group
Dr. Steve Truman
Dr. Steve earned his DDS from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and served as a clinical instructor. He approaches sleep appliance therapy the way he approaches all care, precise custom fitting, clear explanation, and coordination with your physician so treatment is safe and connected.
Cost & Insurance
Oral appliances for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea are often billed to medical insurance rather than dental, coverage varies by plan.
We'll talk through your situation and what documentation your sleep physician needs to provide, and we offer flexible in-office payment options. Call (415) 453-0744 to learn more.
Sleep Apnea Questions
What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
An oral appliance for sleep apnea is a custom-fitted device, similar to a retainer, worn during sleep. It holds your lower jaw slightly forward, the tongue comes with it, and the airway stays open. It is a quiet, mask-free option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. At D Street Dental Group in San Rafael, Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, fits and adjusts these appliances.
Is an oral appliance better than CPAP?
They suit different patients. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) remains the gold standard for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Oral appliance therapy is a recognized option for mild to moderate OSA and for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, coordinates with your sleep physician so the choice is based on your diagnosis, not on what D Street Dental Group happens to offer.
Do I need a sleep study first?
Yes. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea from a sleep physician, usually based on a sleep study, is required before an oral appliance is made. Dentists screen for apnea, but the diagnosis belongs to medicine. If you have not been evaluated, Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, at D Street Dental Group can start the referral to a sleep physician and pick the treatment back up once your results are in.
Will insurance cover the appliance?
For diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances are often billed to medical insurance rather than dental insurance, because apnea is a medical condition. Coverage varies by plan and by the severity of your diagnosis. D Street Dental Group is out-of-network with dental PPOs, and medical plans work differently, so Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, and the team talk through your situation and what documentation your plan will want.
Is the appliance comfortable?
Because the appliance is custom-fitted to your teeth, most patients adapt quickly. No mask, no hose, one small device that fits in a travel case. Some jaw or tooth soreness in the first mornings is common and usually fades. Dr. Steve Truman, DDS, refines the fit over follow-up visits at D Street Dental Group until it is comfortable and doing its job.
Request Your Appointment
Tell us what you need and we'll reach out within one business day. Prefer to talk now? Call (415) 453-0744.
Sleep and Breathe Easier
Ask about oral appliance therapy. We'll reach out within one business day.