Sleep Apnea Treatment in Riverdale
Custom oral appliance therapy for better sleep and health
Loud snoring and daytime exhaustion are more than a nuisance — they can be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that affects your health as well as your rest. For many patients with snoring or mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, a custom dental appliance offers a comfortable, portable alternative to a CPAP machine. Dr. Peter Ioannidis and Dr. Renu Varshney can help you explore whether oral appliance therapy is right for you. To learn more, schedule your visit or call (416) 466-6400.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep and repeatedly block the airway. Each pause interrupts breathing and briefly wakes the brain, fragmenting sleep — often without you realizing it.
Left untreated, sleep apnea is linked to daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and other health concerns. Recognizing the warning signs is the first step toward better sleep.
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Pauses in breathing noticed by a partner
- Morning headaches and dry mouth
- Daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating
- Restless, unrefreshing sleep
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, usually through a sleep study. As dentists, we work alongside your doctor: once you have a diagnosis, we can provide oral appliance therapy as a treatment option for snoring and mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Reviewed by Dr. Peter Ioannidis & Dr. Renu Varshney · Broadview Dental Clinic, Riverdale
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
A dental sleep appliance looks similar to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. Worn only during sleep, it gently repositions your lower jaw and tongue forward to keep your airway open, reducing or eliminating the collapse that causes snoring and apnea events.
Because each appliance is custom-made from precise impressions of your teeth, it fits comfortably and stays secure through the night. Many patients find it far easier to tolerate — and to travel with — than a CPAP machine.
- Custom-fit to your mouth for comfort
- Small, quiet, and easy to travel with
- No mask, hose, or electricity required
- Simple to clean and maintain
- A well-tolerated option for many snorers
Oral appliances are most effective for snoring and mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. For severe apnea, CPAP is often the recommended first-line therapy. We'll coordinate with your physician to determine the best approach for you.
Reviewed by Dr. Peter Ioannidis & Dr. Renu Varshney · Broadview Dental Clinic, Riverdale
Why Choose Broadview Dental Clinic for Sleep Apnea Care
A custom oral appliance can transform your sleep — and your days:
Better, Deeper Sleep
By keeping your airway open, an appliance reduces apnea events and helps you get the restful sleep your body needs.
Quieter Nights
Reducing snoring benefits your health and your partner's sleep too, improving rest for the whole household.
CPAP Alternative
For many patients, an oral appliance is a comfortable option when CPAP feels intrusive or hard to tolerate.
Custom Comfort
Each appliance is precision-made for your mouth, so it fits securely and comfortably every night.
Travel-Friendly
Compact and requiring no power or hoses, an appliance is easy to pack and use anywhere you go.
Physician Coordinated
We work with your doctor and your sleep-study diagnosis to provide safe, appropriate treatment.
Your Oral Appliance Journey, Step by Step
Fitting a dental sleep appliance is a straightforward, comfortable process. Here is what to expect:
- 1. Consultation and coordination. We review your symptoms and sleep-study results and coordinate with your physician to confirm oral appliance therapy is appropriate for you.
- 2. Digital impressions. We take precise impressions or a digital scan of your teeth so your appliance is custom-made to fit securely and comfortably.
- 3. Fitting your appliance. Once your appliance is ready, we fit it, check your bite, and make fine adjustments so it feels natural and stays in place overnight.
- 4. Titration and follow-up. Over follow-up visits we gradually adjust the appliance to the position that best opens your airway and reduces your symptoms.
- 5. Ongoing monitoring. We check the fit and effectiveness over time and work with your physician to confirm your therapy is working as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment
Dentists provide oral appliance therapy, an accepted treatment for snoring and mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Diagnosis is made by a physician, usually via a sleep study, and we work alongside your doctor to deliver appropriate care.
The custom appliance holds your lower jaw and tongue slightly forward while you sleep, keeping the airway open and preventing the soft-tissue collapse that causes snoring and apnea events.
Neither is universally better — it depends on the severity of your apnea and your preferences. CPAP is often first-line for severe apnea, while oral appliances are an excellent option for snoring, mild-to-moderate apnea, and patients who can't tolerate CPAP.
Because it is custom-made from impressions of your teeth, most patients adjust quickly and find it comfortable. It is small, quiet, and much easier to travel with than a CPAP machine.
Coverage varies by plan and often depends on a documented sleep apnea diagnosis. Our team will help you understand your benefits and any out-of-pocket costs before you begin.
You clean it daily with a soft brush and the products we recommend, and store it in its case when not in use. We'll show you exactly how to keep it fresh and long-lasting.
Yes. Sleep apnea is a medical condition, so ongoing coordination with your physician is important. We provide the dental appliance and monitor its fit and effectiveness as part of your overall care.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dental conditions vary by individual and treatment recommendations depend on a thorough clinical evaluation. Consult Dr. Peter Ioannidis, Dr. Renu Varshney, or a qualified dental professional regarding any questions about your oral health. Individual results may vary.