Sleep Apnea Treatment
Stop snoring. Sleep better. Wake up refreshed. Dr. LaVant is a Diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy — and we can test for sleep apnea right here in our office.
Are You Getting Real Sleep?
Millions of Americans have sleep apnea and do not know it. The condition causes your airway to repeatedly collapse during sleep, cutting off oxygen and jolting your brain awake — sometimes hundreds of times a night. You may never remember waking up, but you will feel the effects: exhaustion, brain fog, irritability, and a long list of serious health risks.
The good news: treatment is simpler than most people think. At Italian Smiles, Dr. LaVant — a Diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy — can test you for sleep apnea in-office and fit you with a custom oral appliance that keeps your airway open all night long. No CPAP machine required.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability or mood changes
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
Did you know? Untreated sleep apnea doubles your risk of heart disease and stroke, and is strongly linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Getting tested could be one of the most important health decisions you make.
We Test for Sleep Apnea Right Here
No referral. No sleep lab. No overnight stay at a clinic. We provide a home sleep test device that you take home and wear in your own bed. The data is reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician, and we use those results to design your personalized treatment plan.
Consultation
We review your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to determine if a sleep test is right for you.
Home Sleep Test
Take a small, easy-to-use device home. Wear it overnight in your own bed. Return it the next day.
Custom Treatment
A board-certified sleep physician reviews your results. We design your custom oral appliance and get you sleeping better.
Custom Oral Appliances — A CPAP-Free Solution
Oral appliances are small, custom-fitted devices worn during sleep. They work by gently repositioning the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open — silently, comfortably, and without a mask or machine.
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
The most common type of oral appliance. It gently repositions the lower jaw forward, which opens the airway and prevents the soft tissues of the throat from collapsing during sleep.
Tongue Retaining Device (TRD)
Holds the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from falling back and blocking the airway. Often recommended for patients who cannot tolerate jaw advancement.
Combination Therapy
For some patients, an oral appliance used alongside a CPAP machine at a lower pressure setting is more comfortable and more effective than either treatment alone.
Dr. Isaac LaVant — Diplomate, American Sleep and Breathing Academy
Dr. LaVant holds one of dentistry's highest credentials in sleep medicine. As a Diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, he has completed rigorous advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders — bringing specialist-level sleep care to our Glendale patients.
Learn more about Dr. LaVant →Sleep Apnea — Frequently Asked Questions
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type — obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, causing the airway to narrow or close. Your brain briefly wakes you to reopen the airway, often dozens or even hundreds of times per night — usually without you remembering it.
How can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Dr. LaVant is a Diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy — a credential that recognizes advanced training in dental sleep medicine. He can fit you with a custom oral appliance (a device similar to a mouthguard) that repositions your jaw or tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep. Oral appliances are an effective, comfortable, and CPAP-free option for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Can you test for sleep apnea at Italian Smiles?
Yes. We offer in-office sleep testing so you do not need a referral to a sleep lab. We use a home sleep test device that you take home and wear overnight. The results are reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician, and we use those findings to design your treatment plan. It is a simple, convenient way to get a diagnosis without spending a night in a sleep clinic.
Is an oral appliance as effective as a CPAP?
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances are considered equally effective as CPAP for most patients — and significantly more comfortable. CPAP remains the gold standard for severe sleep apnea, but many patients who cannot tolerate CPAP find that an oral appliance gives them the relief they need. We will review your test results and recommend the best option for your specific case.
What does a sleep appliance feel like?
Custom-fitted oral appliances are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Most patients adapt within a few nights. They are small, portable, and easy to clean — a major advantage over CPAP machines for travel and everyday use.
Is sleep apnea dangerous if left untreated?
Yes. Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and depression. It also impairs your concentration and reaction time, raising the risk of accidents. Getting tested and treated is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health.
Does insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?
Many medical insurance plans — including Medicare — cover oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea when it is medically diagnosed. We will help you navigate your coverage and work with your insurance to maximize your benefits. Our in-house membership plan also provides savings on treatment for patients without insurance.
Think You Might Have Sleep Apnea?
Call Italian Smiles at 602-857-9945 to schedule a sleep apnea consultation. We offer in-office home sleep testing and custom oral appliances — no sleep lab required.