![a bottom teeth guard](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sleep-appliances-sleep-apnea-cut-sheet/Image_001.jpg)
For some patients experiencing obstructive sleep apnea, your sleep physician may recommend an oral sleep appliance to help alleviate the underlying symptoms and complications associated with it.
![a person reclining](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sleep-appliances-sleep-apnea-cut-sheet/Image_002.jpg)
Symptoms of sleep apnea can include excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, high blood pressure, and nighttime teeth grinding.
![a person laying down wearing a mouth guard](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sleep-appliances-sleep-apnea-cut-sheet/Image_003.jpg)
A sleep appliance is a device that is worn in the mouth overnight, designed to position the lower jaw slightly forward , thereby bringing the tongue forward, and expanding the throat in a way that keeps your airway open to facilitate unobstructed breathing while you are asleep.
![two different colored mouth guards](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sleep-appliances-sleep-apnea-cut-sheet/Image_004.jpg)
There are several designs and styles of sleep appliances available to assist with treatment, all capable of being custom fitted to the contours of your mouth.
![full set of teeth with mouth guard](https://www.virginiadentalcenter.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sleep-appliances-sleep-apnea-cut-sheet/Image_005.jpg)
Given the potentially dangerous complications arising from untreated sleep apnea, it is critical to work closely with your dentist to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs and promotes your overall health.
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