Oral Appliance Therapy in Laguna Niguel
If you snore — or you've been told you might have sleep apnea — a custom oral appliance can be a comfortable, CPAP-free way to breathe better at night. At HealthySmile360, Dr. Michael Mostofi offers oral appliance therapy, including the TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) device.
How It Works
The principle is simple: your airway must stay open for air to pass through. When the jaw falls open during sleep, the airway can constrict or collapse — causing snoring or sleep apnea. The TAP device holds your lower jaw gently forward through the night, keeping the airway open so you breathe clearly and snore less.
Why Patients Choose an Oral Appliance
- Custom-made for your mouth — comfortable, with no unwanted changes to tooth position
- Patient-adjustable — fine-tune the fit for maximum comfort and effectiveness
- No mask, no machine, no noise — just a small device you wear while sleeping
- Travel-friendly — fits in a case, needs no power outlet
Is It Right for You?
Oral appliances are commonly used for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. If you suspect sleep apnea, talk to your physician about a sleep evaluation first — then we can discuss whether an oral appliance fits your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the TAP device?
A: The TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) is a custom oral appliance that holds the lower jaw forward during sleep to keep the airway open. It's adjustable, so the fit can be fine-tuned for comfort.
Q: Is an oral appliance better than CPAP?
A: They're different tools. CPAP is the standard for more severe sleep apnea; oral appliances are often preferred for snoring and mild to moderate cases because they're comfortable and easy to stick with. Your physician can help determine what's appropriate.
Q: Will it change my bite or move my teeth?
A: The TAP device is custom-made to avoid changing tooth position or mouth structure. We'll monitor your fit at follow-up visits.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Schedule a consultation — we'll evaluate your needs, discuss your sleep history, and take the precise measurements needed for your custom device.
Snoring keeping you (or someone else) up? Call HealthySmile360 at 949-831-5511 or visit our appointment page to schedule a consultation. We're located at 27791 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677, and we welcome patients from Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Newport Beach, and Irvine.
Related services: Dental Exams