How Oral Appliance Therapy Can Improve Your Health and Sleep
When it comes to treating sleep apnea and other sleep-disrupting conditions, comfort, consistency, and long-term success matter. For many individuals who struggle with CPAP therapy—or are looking for alternatives—Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) offers a life-changing solution. At Restful Sleep MD in Philadelphia, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a triple-board-certified sleep medicine physician, offers a collaborative, personalized approach to sleep care that includes Oral Appliance Therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or another form of disordered sleep, you may already know that left untreated, these conditions can lead to serious health risks. These include increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression, and even cognitive decline. Fortunately, effective treatment can not only improve your sleep but also transform your overall health and quality of life—and OAT is one of the most effective non-invasive tools available.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy involves wearing a custom-fit mouthpiece during sleep that repositions the jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open. This reduces the airway obstruction that leads to snoring and apneas (pauses in breathing), which are the root cause of many sleep disturbances.
Unlike CPAP machines, which require a mask and airflow system, oral appliances are:
Compact and easy to travel with
Silent and more comfortable for many patients
Easier to comply with, leading to better long-term outcomes
Integrated Care with a Collaborative Team
At Restful Sleep MD, Dr. Brown works closely with experienced dental sleep medicine specialists to ensure your oral appliance is precisely fitted and optimized for maximum effectiveness. This integrated approach means your care is never siloed—you benefit from a streamlined process where sleep and dental experts communicate directly to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments.
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have struggled with CPAP in the past, this collaborative model is designed to help you achieve real, sustainable results with as little friction as possible.
Personalized and Patient-Centered Treatment
Dr. Afolabi-Brown understands that no two sleep journeys are the same, which is why every treatment plan begins with a thorough evaluation of your sleep patterns, lifestyle, and preferences. She combines cutting-edge diagnostics with deep, one-on-one consultations to determine whether OAT, CPAP, or a hybrid approach is best suited for your needs.
If you’ve found CPAP uncomfortable or difficult to maintain, she’ll explore whether Oral Appliance Therapy might be a more successful solution.
If you travel frequently or share a room with someone sensitive to noise, an oral appliance may significantly improve your adherence to treatment.
If you’re using CPAP successfully but need additional support for residual snoring or mild apnea, OAT may be used in combination with other therapies.
Your preferences matter—and with Dr. Brown, your care is built around them.
Concierge-Level Support Every Step of the Way
At Restful Sleep MD, support doesn’t end after your diagnosis. Dr. Brown offers concierge-level sleep medicine, meaning she’s accessible, proactive, and committed to helping you succeed long-term. From coordinating with your dental provider to answering your follow-up questions months after treatment begins, she ensures you’re never left wondering what to do next.
Patients receive:
Ongoing sleep assessments and follow-up visits
Appliance adjustments as needed
Guidance on lifestyle factors impacting sleep
Support with insurance and documentation for oral appliance therapy
This comprehensive, high-touch care means better outcomes, higher satisfaction, and a genuine improvement in your health and energy levels.
A Healthier You Starts with Better Sleep
Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation of long-term health, and treating obstructive sleep apnea effectively can reduce your risk of cardiovascular events, improve insulin resistance, boost mood, and sharpen memory and focus.
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea and looking for an alternative to CPAP, Oral Appliance Therapy may be the answer. Backed by expert coordination between Dr. Brown and dental sleep specialists, and supported by personalized care at every stage, this treatment could be the key to reclaiming restful nights and energized days.
Ready to explore Oral Appliance Therapy in Philadelphia? Contact Restful Sleep MD today and take the next step toward deeper, healthier sleep—with a treatment plan that’s built around you.
