Sleep Apnea & Snore Guards in NW Calgary
Custom oral appliances for quieter, deeper sleep, without the bulk of a CPAP machine.
About Sleep Apnea & Snore Guards at Bow River Dental
Custom oral appliances can treat mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring without the bulk of a CPAP machine. If you are looking for a sleep apnea dentist or a snore guard in Calgary, Bow River Dental offers a custom-fit, travel-friendly appliance designed for quieter, deeper sleep.
Sleep apnea and snore guards are part of our Additional Care services, and insurance coverage is available.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. In the most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax and narrow or block your airway. Your brain wakes you briefly to restart your breathing, often without you knowing, which leaves you tired even after a full night in bed.
Snoring happens when air vibrates past relaxed tissues in the throat. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but loud, frequent snoring is one of its most common signs.
Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea or Snoring Problems
- Loud snoring, often noticed first by a partner
- Gasping, choking or pauses in breathing during sleep
- Restless sleep and frequent waking
- Feeling fatigued even after a full night of sleep
- Morning headaches, a dry mouth or a sore throat
- Daytime naps, trouble concentrating or irritability
If you notice these signs, speak with your doctor, who can arrange a sleep study and confirm whether you have sleep apnea.
How a Custom Oral Appliance Helps
A sleep apnea and snore guard is a custom-made appliance that fits over your teeth like a sports mouth guard. It gently moves your lower jaw forward, which keeps your upper airway open while you sleep. That lets air flow freely, which reduces snoring and helps you breathe more easily so you can sleep deeply and wake up refreshed.
Compared with a CPAP machine, an oral appliance is small, quiet and easy to travel with. It needs no hose, mask or electricity, which is why many people find it easier to use night after night.
What Is Included
- A custom-fit oral appliance
- Quieter, deeper sleep
- A travel-friendly design
- Treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring
- Fitting, adjustments and follow-up visits
- Coordination with your doctor when needed
- Insurance coverage available
What to Expect at Your Visits
- 1Consultation. We review your symptoms, your health history and any sleep study results.
- 2Exam. We examine your teeth, jaw and bite to make sure an appliance is a good fit for you.
- 3Impressions. We take precise impressions or digital scans to make your custom appliance.
- 4Fitting. We fit your appliance, check its comfort and show you how to wear and clean it.
- 5Follow-up. We adjust the appliance and check your progress, working with your doctor as needed.
Using and Caring for Your Appliance
- Wear it every night, as instructed, for the best results
- Clean it each morning with a soft brush and cool water
- Store it in its case, away from heat and pets
- Expect a little jaw or tooth soreness at first, which usually eases within a few weeks
- Bring it to your Check-Ups & Cleanings so we can inspect it
Why Choose Bow River Dental for Sleep Apnea & Snore Guards
- Custom-fit, comfortable and travel-friendly appliances
- A dentist-led approach that works alongside your doctor
- Insurance coverage available
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- Direct insurance billing, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is accepted
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Evening and Saturday appointments, free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location, with a 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Related Treatments
- TMJ Treatment: for jaw pain and clicking
- Night Guards & Sports Guards: to protect teeth from grinding
- Check-Ups & Cleanings: to keep your mouth healthy
- Sedation Dentistry: for relaxed dental visits
Cost of Sleep Apnea & Snore Guards
The cost of an oral appliance depends on the type of appliance and your needs, so there is no single price. Insurance coverage is available for sleep apnea appliances, and coverage depends on your plan and often on a diagnosis from your doctor. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your costs before we begin. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
A dentist can spot signs of sleep apnea and refer you for testing, but a physician confirms the diagnosis, usually with a sleep study. Once you are diagnosed, a dentist can provide a custom oral appliance for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. We work with your doctor as part of your care.
How does a sleep apnea mouth guard work?
The appliance fits over your teeth and gently holds your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. This keeps your airway open, so air can flow more freely, and it reduces snoring and breathing pauses. It is custom-made to fit your mouth.
Is an oral appliance as effective as a CPAP machine?
For mild to moderate sleep apnea and for snoring, oral appliances can be very effective, and many people find them easier to use. CPAP is usually recommended for severe sleep apnea. Your doctor and dentist can help you decide which option fits your diagnosis.
How long does it take to get used to a snore guard?
Most people adjust within a few weeks. You may notice mild jaw or tooth soreness or extra saliva at first, which usually fades. We adjust your appliance at follow-up visits so it stays comfortable and effective.
Are sleep apnea and snore guards covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage is available for sleep apnea appliances, and coverage depends on your plan. Plans often ask for a diagnosis from your doctor. We bill eligible insurance directly and can help you understand what to expect.
Book Your Sleep Appliance Consultation
Ready for a better night's sleep? Call Bow River Dental or book online, and we will find a time that works for you.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
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