Book Appointment

Sleep Appliances in South Philadelphia

Snoring and sleep-disordered breathing affect millions of Americans — disrupting sleep quality for both the individual and their partner, and in more serious cases contributing to significant health consequences. If you or someone you love is struggling with snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral sleep appliance may offer a comfortable, effective solution.
At Pera Dentistry & Aesthetics, we offer custom-fabricated sleep appliances as part of our commitment to your overall wellness — because good health isn’t limited to what happens in your mouth. Dr. Pera works closely with patients and their physicians to determine whether a dental sleep appliance is the right fit for their situation.
Book an Appointment
(215) 468-1425
How it's work

What Is a Sleep Appliance?

A sleep appliance — also called a mandibular advancement device (MAD) or oral appliance — is a custom-fitted device similar in appearance to a night guard or sports guard. Worn during sleep, it gently repositions the lower jaw slightly forward, which opens the airway, reduces airway collapse, and decreases snoring and the apnea events associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep appliances are a well-established alternative to CPAP therapy for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea — and for many patients, far more comfortable and practical to use consistently.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

  • Patients with primary snoring (snoring without obstructive sleep apnea)
  • Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
  • CPAP-intolerant patients who cannot or will not consistently use CPAP therapy
  • Patients whose physician has recommended oral appliance therapy
Severe obstructive sleep apnea typically requires CPAP therapy or a surgical evaluation. We work in collaboration with sleep medicine physicians and ENT specialists to ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your specific situation.
Meet the Team

The Custom Sleep Appliance Process

  • A consultation to evaluate your symptoms, oral health, and candidacy
  • Coordination with your physician or sleep specialist if a formal sleep study is recommended
  • Impressions or digital scans of your teeth for precise custom fabrication
  • Delivery and fitting of your appliance with adjustments for comfort and effectiveness
  • Follow-up appointments to titrate (fine-tune) the appliance and confirm effectiveness

Advantages Over CPAP

  • No machine, tubing, or mask required
  • Silent — no noise during sleep
  • Compact and portable for travel
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Studies show higher long-term compliance than CPAP for appropriate candidates
Meet the Team
Get Started

Sleep Appliances and Your Oral Health

We monitor the health of your teeth, gums, and bite at your routine dental visits — including checking the fit and function of your sleep appliance. Oral appliances can occasionally cause minor changes in bite over time, which we monitor and address as needed.
New Patient Appointment Request
We typically respond within 2 business hours. For urgent needs, call us directly.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Appliances

Is a sleep appliance as effective as CPAP?
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy has been shown to be clinically effective and in many studies comparable to CPAP in terms of AHI reduction — particularly when real-world compliance is factored in. CPAP is theoretically more effective for severe sleep apnea and for some patients will be the recommended first-line treatment. We work with your physicians to determine what’s best for your situation.
A formal sleep study (either in-lab or at-home) is typically recommended before initiating treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. For primary snoring without apnea, a sleep study may not be required. We’ll guide you through the appropriate process based on your symptoms and medical history.
A sleep appliance manages and controls sleep apnea during use — it does not cure the underlying condition. You’ll need to use it consistently every night to maintain the benefit. Weight loss, positional therapy, and in some cases surgical options may address the root cause for certain patients.
There is typically a brief adjustment period of one to two weeks as you adapt to wearing an appliance during sleep. Most patients find custom appliances far more comfortable than CPAP and adjust to them readily. Some temporary morning jaw stiffness or soreness is common initially and typically resolves as you adapt.
Many medical insurance plans — including Medicare — cover oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea when prescribed by a physician and properly documented. Dental insurance typically does not cover sleep appliances. Coverage varies widely by plan, and the billing process can be complex. We’ll help you navigate your coverage and provide the documentation needed to support a claim.

Ready to restore your smile?

Located at 1627 S Broad St, South Philadelphia. Coming soon to Haddonfield, NJ.
Book an Appointment
(215) 468-1425