Sleep apnea is a whole-body problem because it disrupts your sleep night after night—not just occasionally. An estimated 18 million Americans are affected, and 80% remain untreated. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when a blockage in the airway causes drops in oxygen levels throughout the night, which can affect energy, mood, and long-term health.

In most cases, this blockage happens when the muscles in your upper airway, including your tongue, relax so much during sleep that oxygen flow is restricted. Over time, this can lead to serious cardiovascular strain, metabolic issues, and a lower overall quality of life.

At our dental office in San Jose and Los Gatos, we help patients get to the root cause of their sleep apnea so they can find a solution that’s effective, comfortable, and sustainable for the long term. For many people, that means exploring oral appliance therapy or the DNA appliance as alternatives or supplements to CPAP.

CPAP vs. Oral Appliance Therapy

  • CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the traditional gold standard for treating moderate to severe OSA. It uses a machine, tubing, and a mask to deliver a steady stream of air, keeping the airway open all night. While effective, many patients struggle with comfort, portability, and adapting to the equipment—often leading to low compliance.
  • Oral appliance therapy, on the other hand, involves wearing a custom-fitted device over your teeth while you sleep. It gently repositions your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open and preventing the collapse of soft tissues in your throat. This means your tongue won’t block airflow, and you’ll breathe easier throughout the night.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Patients often choose oral appliance therapy because it is:

  • Compact, quiet, and travel-friendly
  • Comfortable and easy to adapt to
  • Effective for mild to moderate OSA or for those who can’t tolerate CPAP
  • Covered by many insurance plans and requires minimal maintenance

You’ll often notice a difference in your sleep quality the very first night—and within days, a reduction in snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms.

The DNA Appliance: A Long-Term Solution

While the DNA appliance is a type of oral appliance, it’s designed to permanently address airway restrictions caused by jaw structure issues. By guiding jaw growth and improving alignment, the DNA appliance increases airway space and supports healthy breathing patterns.

Treatment involves wearing a series of removable, custom-fitted devices that stimulate natural bone remodeling and airway development. This process takes longer—usually months to years—but can deliver lasting results, improving not only sleep but also facial balance, nasal breathing, and smile aesthetics.

When the DNA Appliance May Be the Best Choice

We may recommend the DNA appliance if you:

  • Have sleep apnea caused by a narrow airway or malocclusion
  • Experience TMJ discomfort or jaw misalignment
  • Want a permanent solution that improves both function and appearance
  • Struggle with nasal breathing or chronic snoring

Because it addresses jaw position, the DNA appliance can also help relieve TMJ-related pain while opening your airway for better sleep.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing the right treatment depends on the severity of your sleep apnea, the underlying cause, and your personal comfort preferences. At your consultation, Dr. Nancy Nehawandian and Dr. Rana Alan will:

  • Review your sleep study or symptoms
  • Examine your jaw, bite, and airway
  • Take precise digital impressions

Recommend the treatment—CPAP, oral appliance therapy, DNA appliance, or a combination—that will give you the best results

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

Untreated sleep apnea can affect far more than just your energy—it can impact your heart health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for a CPAP alternative or a permanent airway solution, Top Down Dental offers advanced, custom-fitted devices to help you breathe easier and sleep better.

Call (408) 354-5600 today or request an appointment online to find out which sleep apnea treatment is right for you.