Sleep Apnea Treatment in Anaheim Hills
Sleep Apnea Dentist in Anaheim Hills
Struggling with your CPAP machine? A custom oral appliance may be the answer. Dr. Mehru Bhatia provides FDA-approved oral appliance therapy for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance is small, comfortable, silent, and fits in your pocket when you travel. No mask, no machine, no noise.
Call (714) 998-4151 or book online to schedule a consultation and find out if an oral appliance is right for you.
Why Sleep Apnea Patients Choose MySmile
Custom oral appliances, coordination with your sleep doctor, and honest guidance on whether this treatment is right for you.
A Comfortable Alternative to CPAP
Many sleep apnea patients are prescribed a CPAP machine but cannot tolerate the mask, the noise, or the feeling of forced air. An oral appliance is a small, silent mouthpiece that fits in your mouth like a retainer. No mask, no hose, no machine on your nightstand.
Custom-Fitted for Effectiveness
Dr. Bhatia takes precise impressions to create an appliance that fits your teeth and jaw exactly. A proper fit is critical because the appliance needs to hold your jaw in the right position to keep your airway open without causing discomfort or bite changes.
Works with Your Sleep Doctor
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is a team approach. Your sleep physician diagnoses the condition and determines if an oral appliance is appropriate. Dr. Bhatia fabricates and adjusts the appliance. Follow-up sleep testing confirms it is working. We coordinate with your doctor throughout the process.
Portable and Travel-Friendly
An oral appliance fits in a small case that goes in your bag. No bulky machine, no power outlet needed, no TSA questions. For patients who travel frequently, this is a major advantage over CPAP.
Evening Appointments Available
Open until 7 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Impressions, fittings, and adjustment appointments can all be scheduled in the evening.
Honest About Limitations
Oral appliances work best for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Severe sleep apnea typically requires CPAP or other treatments. Dr. Bhatia will review your sleep study results and tell you honestly whether an oral appliance is likely to be effective for your specific case.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Custom oral appliances as a comfortable, portable alternative to CPAP.
Custom Oral Appliances
A custom-fitted mouthpiece worn during sleep that repositions your lower jaw slightly forward, keeping the airway open. Comfortable, portable, and silent, unlike a CPAP machine.
Learn moreCPAP Alternative
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP, an oral appliance is an effective, FDA-approved alternative recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Learn moreCoordination with Sleep Physicians
Dr. Bhatia works with your sleep doctor to ensure the oral appliance is the right treatment for your diagnosis. A sleep study (done by your physician) is typically required before an appliance is made.
Learn moreInsurance and Financing
Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliances for diagnosed sleep apnea. We also accept dental insurance and offer financing through Cherry, CareCredit, Sunbit, and LendingClub.
Learn moreLearn more about sleep apnea treatment on our sleep apnea treatment service page.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
The process starts with a consultation where Dr. Bhatia reviews your sleep study results (or refers you for one if you have not had a study yet). If an oral appliance is appropriate for your case, she takes precise impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fitted device.
The appliance works by holding your lower jaw slightly forward during sleep. This position keeps the soft tissue at the back of your throat from collapsing and blocking your airway. The appliance clicks onto your teeth and stays in place all night. It is comfortable enough that most patients forget they are wearing it after the first few nights.
After you receive the appliance, follow-up visits allow Dr. Bhatia to adjust the jaw position for optimal effectiveness and comfort. A follow-up sleep study is typically recommended to confirm the appliance is adequately treating your apnea. She continues to monitor your bite and dental health at your regular checkups to catch any changes early.
Meet Dr. Mehru Bhatia
Dr. Bhatia is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry with over 20 years of clinical experience. She founded MySmile Dental Care in Anaheim Hills in 2015 with a simple goal: provide honest, high-quality dental care in a practice where every patient feels like family.
She has been placing dental implants since 2009 and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Orange County Dental Association. Her approach combines advanced techniques with a gentle, patient-first philosophy that has earned MySmile a 4.9-star rating from hundreds of patients.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Anaheim Hills and Surrounding Areas
Patients come from across east Orange County for sleep apnea treatment at MySmile. Our office on Santa Ana Canyon Road is right off the 91 Freeway.
Driving Times to Our Office
Approximate drive times from nearby cities.
Insurance & Affordable Payment Options
We accept most major dental insurance plans and work with several financing companies to make dental care accessible for every family.
Insurance Accepted
Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Guardian, and many more PPO plans. See full list
Financing Available
Split your treatment cost into monthly payments with Cherry, CareCredit, Sunbit, or LendingClub.
New Patient Special
Welcome to MySmile!
New patients receive a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a personalized treatment plan.
View New Patient SpecialFrequently Asked Questions
What is a dental sleep apnea appliance?
It is a custom-made oral device, similar to a retainer or sports guard, that you wear while sleeping. The appliance holds your lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the soft tissue at the back of your throat from collapsing and blocking your airway. This reduces or eliminates the pauses in breathing that characterize obstructive sleep apnea.
Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances are considered an effective treatment by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Studies show that patients are more likely to use an oral appliance consistently compared to CPAP because it is more comfortable. Consistent use of a less effective treatment often produces better real-world results than inconsistent use of a more effective one. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP is generally recommended.
Do I need a sleep study first?
Yes. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea from a sleep physician is typically required before an oral appliance is made. The sleep study determines the severity of your apnea (mild, moderate, or severe), which helps Dr. Bhatia and your sleep doctor decide if an oral appliance is the right treatment. If you have not had a sleep study, we can refer you to a sleep physician.
How much does a sleep apnea oral appliance cost?
Custom oral appliances for sleep apnea typically cost $1,500 to $3,000. Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliances when prescribed for diagnosed sleep apnea, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. We verify your medical and dental insurance benefits before fabricating the appliance. Financing is available for any remaining balance.
Will insurance cover a sleep apnea appliance?
Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliances for sleep apnea as durable medical equipment, especially with a documented sleep study showing a diagnosis. Some dental plans also provide coverage. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan. We verify both your medical and dental benefits to determine the best way to maximize your coverage.
How long does it take to get an oral appliance?
After your consultation and impressions, the appliance is fabricated by a dental lab in about two to three weeks. A fitting appointment ensures proper fit and jaw positioning. Follow-up visits allow Dr. Bhatia to make fine adjustments for maximum comfort and effectiveness. A follow-up sleep study is recommended to confirm the appliance is adequately treating your apnea.
Can I use an oral appliance if I already have a CPAP?
Yes. Some patients use an oral appliance as their primary treatment and keep the CPAP as a backup. Others use the oral appliance when traveling and CPAP at home. Dr. Bhatia and your sleep physician can help you figure out the best approach for your situation.
Are there side effects of wearing a sleep apnea appliance?
Some patients experience temporary jaw soreness, excess saliva, or mild tooth discomfort when they first start using the appliance. These side effects typically go away within a few weeks as you adjust. Long-term use can occasionally cause minor changes in bite alignment, which Dr. Bhatia monitors at your regular dental visits.
Sleep Better Without the CPAP
Schedule a consultation to find out if an oral appliance can treat your sleep apnea. Bring your sleep study results and Dr. Bhatia will give you an honest assessment.