Sleep Apnea Treatment in Tuscaloosa, AL

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This interruption causes pauses in breathing that can happen dozens—or even hundreds—of times a night.

Each pause can jolt you awake momentarily, even if you don’t realize it, leading to fragmented sleep and low oxygen levels throughout the night.

Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

You may be experiencing OSA if you or a partner have noticed:

• Loud, frequent snoring
  
• Gasping or choking during sleep
  
• Morning headaches
  
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
  
• Excessive daytime fatigue
  
• Trouble concentrating or forgetfulness
  
• Mood swings or irritability
  

Sleep apnea has also been linked to serious health concerns, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes—so it’s important to seek care early.

Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea

While CPAP therapy is commonly prescribed, many patients find it uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently. That’s where we come in.

As dental professionals trained in airway-focused care, we offer oral appliance therapy—a non-invasive, effective alternative for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea and chronic snoring.

Custom Snore Guards

A snore guard is a custom-made oral appliance that gently repositions your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep. It’s:

• Small, discreet, and easy to wear
  
• Silent—no machines or tubing
  
• Portable for travel
  
• Comfortable and custom-fit to your mouth
  
• Often covered by medical insurance (with proper diagnosis)
  

Unlike over-the-counter devices, our snore guards are fabricated using advanced digital impressions to ensure a precise fit and maximum effectiveness.

Our Process

1. Consultation & Screening
   We’ll review your symptoms, health history, and recommend a sleep study if needed (at-home or in-lab).
   
2. Collaboration With Sleep Physicians
   Once a diagnosis of OSA is confirmed, we work closely with your physician to determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you.
   
3. Custom Appliance Fitting
   We take precise digital impressions and have your appliance custom-fabricated for optimal comfort and performance.
   
4. Ongoing Care & Adjustments
   We monitor your response, make adjustments as needed, and check the fit during your regular dental visits.
   

Who Is a Candidate for a Snore Guard?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
  
• Snore but haven’t been diagnosed with apnea
  
• Can’t tolerate a CPAP machine
  
• Want a quiet, portable treatment option
  
• Have healthy teeth and gums
  

If you suspect you have sleep apnea but haven’t been diagnosed, we’ll help connect you with the right specialists for testing.

Serving Tuscaloosa & Nearby Communities

We offer sleep apnea treatment and snore guards to patients throughout:

• Tuscaloosa
  
• Northport
  
• Cottondale
  
• Brookwood
  
• Vance
  
• Holt
  
• Coker
  
• Moundville
  

Looking for snore guards near me or sleep apnea dentist in Tuscaloosa? You’re in the right place.

Wake Up Rested. Breathe Easier.

Sleep apnea doesn’t just make you tired—it affects every part of your health. With a custom snore guard from Rhodes & Rhodes Family Dentistry, you can finally get the restful, restorative sleep you deserve—comfortably and quietly.