Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) – Alabama’s Comfortable CPAP Alternative for Sleep Apnea

TMJ Sleep Apnea There’s No Good Night’s Rest With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea syndrome is a symptom of underlying health conditions, causing afflicted persons to discontinue breathing for 10 seconds or more while sleeping. There are two forms of this sleep disorder: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). The condition can be mistaken for simple snoring, but it’s actually the result of a person’s airway being too narrow or otherwise obstructed when lying down. If you have sleep apnea, know that it can increase your risk for major health concerns.

Your treatment for sleep apnea depends on the type and severity level (mild, moderate, or severe) afflicting you. Positive airway pressure therapy is the treatment that most people are familiar with. It involves utilizing a CPAP machine to send pressurized air via a tube attached to a mask to the mask wearer’s upper airway to keep it open during sleep. Many patients are deterred from seeking a sleep specialist’s help because they associate treatment options with being loud, bulky, and uncomfortable.

Although CPAP machines are the most well-known sleep apnea treatment, other options are available. At TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama, we provide sleep apnea treatments for CPAP-intolerant patients or those seeking other comfortable yet practical options. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a clinically proven, noninvasive treatment option for sleep-disordered breathing—no bulky CPAP machine required.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Loud Snoring

Noisy snores are a telltale sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone with the condition does it (especially those with CSA).

Gasping for Breath

Waking up abruptly with a choking sensation or gasping for air is a prevalent indicator of sleep apnea.

Chronic Fatigue

If you experience chronic fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness every day, despite having a consistent sleep schedule and not remembering waking up during the night, you likely have sleep apnea.

Dry Mouth

If you wake up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or nasal congestion every morning—despite staying well-hydrated during the day and not taking medicines with dry mouth as a side effect—it probably results from sleep apnea.

Risk Factors and Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

There is no exact cause of obstructive sleep apnea. The following conditions and qualities might increase the risk:

Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids
Enlarged thyroid
High blood pressure
Chronic lung disease, like asthma
Large tongue
Small jawbone
Excess weight
Family history of sleep-related breathing disorders
Other sleep disorders

You should contact a professional if you experience breathing disruptions during sleep and/or any of the signs or symptoms above. Your general practitioner can refer you to a sleep clinic for a sleep study, where sleep lab technicians will monitor and assess you for sleep apnea symptoms or other sleep-related disorders. Without treatment, sleep apnea symptoms increase and compound the progression of comorbid medical conditions.

Book an Appointment Today

What Is An Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) Device?

OAT involves a custom-fit dental device called a mandibular advancement appliance, which patients wear inside their mouth like a mouthguard or retainer while they sleep. Unlike CPAP machines, these oral appliances are quiet, portable, and noninvasive. OAT is a recommended treatment option for patients with mild to moderate OSA; however, patients with severe OSA can try the oral device if they are CPAP-intolerant.

The mandibular advancement device gently moves your lower jaw forward to expand the upper airway and bring the tongue forward. The treatment keeps the airway open and stops the throat from collapsing and blocking airflow, which is key for eliminating breathing pauses and snoring, and contributes to overall improved sleep.

Why Oral Appliance Therapy Works for OSA, But Not CSA

Unfortunately, OAT works only for patients with OSA, not those with CSA. Here’s why:

Although OSA and CSA result in the same problem, they are very different conditions stemming from other causes. OSA is caused by a blockage (obstruction) in the upper airway caused by factors like enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, a swollen thyroid, a small jawbone, and many others. Conversely, CSA results from the brain failing to signal to the muscles that regulate respiration during rest properly.

By design, mandibular repositioning appliances treat OSA and minimize symptoms, improving sleep quality. Alternative treatment approaches for patients with CSA are available, and our sleep apnea expert can recommend them based on your individual needs.

OAT vs. CPAP – Which Dental Appliance Is Right for You?

If you’re deciding between OAT and CPAP, let’s get real about what matters in everyday life:

	OAT (Oral Appliance Therapy)	CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
Comfort	Custom fit. No mask, no hoses.	The mask may cause skin irritation, leaks, and discomfort.
Travel	Pocket-sized mouth guard, easy to pack.	The CPAP machine is bulky and only works with a power source, a hose attachment, and a mask.
Maintenance	Quick rinse, occasional brush.	Daily cleaning, changing filters, and using distilled water.
Lifestyle Fit	Talk, drink water, sleep in any position, and take easy bathroom trips.	It can interfere with reading, intimacy, and movement.
Effectiveness	Proven treatment for mild/moderate OSA.	Gold standard for severe OSA and an option for CSA.
Side Effects	Occlusal changes	Dry mouth, sinus issues, claustrophobia, excessive salivation, facial skin irritation, etc.
Compliance	Over 80% of patients stick with OAT.	Many struggle to use CPAP every night.

Real Results

Our patients using OAT report better sleep quality and fewer side effects than with CPAP. With oral appliance therapy, say goodbye to morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, and chronic fatigue.

Still unsure?

Our certified sleep medicine dentist can help you choose the best treatment for your unique needs.

Who Benefits from OAT?

Wondering if you’re a good candidate for oral appliance therapy? Here’s a quick checklist:

Diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
Tried nasal CPAP but can’t get comfortable
Suffer from chronic snoring that disrupts your life
Looking for a simple, noninvasive sleep apnea treatment
Need a treatment option that fits your busy lifestyle

If you checked any of these, you might be a fit for OAT, especially if you’re looking for a more comfortable, uncomplicated CPAP alternative.

Curious if OAT is right for you? Take Our Sleep Apnea Questionnaire!

Ready to move forward? Book a no-pressure consult today.

Schedule an Appointment

Our OAT Process – What to Expect

If you’re interested in oral appliance therapy performed by our board-certified dental sleep medicine expert, here are a few things you should know:

Initial Consultation: At your initial consultation, we will review your sleep study, discuss your symptoms, and answer your questions.
Digital Impressions: We take precise, comfortable impressions of your teeth and bite—no goopy molds. These take around three weeks to process before they’re ready.
Custom Device Creation: Your oral appliance is designed just for you and crafted in a leading dental lab.
Fitting Appointment: You’ll try on your new device. We fine-tune the fit, ensure you know how to use it, and give you a care guide to take home.
Follow-Ups & Adjustments: We schedule check-ins to ensure your device works, fits perfectly, and delivers results.

Sleeping with an oral appliance device requires an adjustment period that can take days to weeks, varying from patient to patient. This gradual process occurs because the lower jaw and tongue don’t typically rest where the device will reposition them, which takes time to get used to. However, many patients experience noticeable relief from their new device early on, leading to long-term relief in the future.

Insurance & Cost of OAT

We know cost is a big deal. Here’s what you need to know:

Medical Insurance: Most major plans (including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and others) cover OAT for obstructive sleep apnea. We’ll handle pre-authorizations and paperwork.
Medicare: TMJ & Sleep Solutions is an accredited DME supplier. Medicare covers OAT for qualifying patients.
Uninsured? Typical out-of-pocket cost is lower than you might think, especially compared to CPAP equipment.
Payment Plans: Flexible monthly payments are available, so you don’t have to put better sleep on hold.

Learn more about the cost of oral appliance therapy here.

Frequently Asked Questions About OAT

What is oral appliance therapy?

OAT uses a custom-fit dental device (mandibular advancement device) to move your lower jaw forward during sleep, keeping your airway open to prevent apnea and snoring.

Who is eligible for OAT?

Most adults with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those intolerant to CPAP are candidates. Take our questionnaire or contact us for a consultation.

Does insurance cover OAT?

Yes, most major medical plans and Medicare cover OAT. We’ll verify your benefits for you.

Are there side effects?

Mild jaw soreness or dental discomfort may occur initially, but most patients adjust quickly. Serious side effects are rare.

How long does it take to get an OAT device?

About three weeks from your first visit to the fitting.

What if OAT doesn’t work for me?

We provide follow-up support and adjustments and recommend other treatments if needed.

Do I have to see a sleep doctor first?

A sleep study is required to diagnose OSA. We can refer you, or you can get a referral from your current primary care physician.

Where is your office located?

We serve patients across Birmingham, Hoover, and Central Alabama.

See Our Map

What Do Patients Say About OAT?

Check out these reviews of our dental sleep medicine practice from patients who are now back to getting a full night’s sleep!

Dr. Hartsfield and staff were all very friendly and welcoming. All members of staff were very respectful as well. We truly appreciated the thoroughness of each person we spoke with. Keep up the great work.
Tiffany J.
It is always a joy to visit TMJ Sleep Solutions. Dr. Hartsfield is always helpful and has solutions to any problem I am dealing with. Love all the office staff!!
Dr. H and staff are truly amazing. They were warm and welcoming and made me feel like I was the only patient they had. Words can’t describe sleeping thru the night for the first time in over 6 years. My custom mouthpiece by Dr. H will really change my life in all the best ways. Thank you so much!!!
L. Hampton
This office fills several special niches in the health care industry. The personnel are very caring and knowledgeable. I have great confidence in them.
Leonard W.
Dr. Hartsfield and her staff are amazing. Everyone in the office is so friendly and helpful. Dr. Hartsfield is so knowledgeable and takes a tremendous amount of time with each patient to get to the root cause of the issue. After several months of debilitating jaw pain, five different doctors, multiple Xrays and a CT scan, I was referred to Dr. Hartsfield. Since seeing her, I have been pain-free for a month now. Life-changing and worth every single penny spent. Definitely recommend seeing her if you have jaw pain.
G. Thompson
I've had severe headaches for years with no relief. She was able to get rid of them!! Wonderful staff and amazing experience. Highly recommend!!!
Karen R.
My experience with your practice was refreshing in the way all of you treated me efficiently and professionally. Thank you.
Paul D.
Dr. HARTSFIELD has improved my quality of life. Her passion for helping her patients is remarkable plus so caring. Well run office with great support staff.
Sharon M.
Love my time with y'all. It's very easy to talk and tell you what's going on. Thanks for the warm and friendly environment.
Lori M.
I’ve lived with 15 years of pain that I thought everyone had & sleeplessness that I blamed myself for, guilt for the times I’ve had to shut out light, noise & sound when I wanted to be spending time with my girls, and now I have hope for better quality of life? Now I have hope of living life to the fullest. Great team! They have the willingness & compassion to spend the time to find solutions to your pain & walk you through the process. They are an answer to years of prayer!
Walker W.
Very soothing atmosphere. Nice people. Dr. Hartsfield and staff have made my life so much better 🤩
Jeffrey T.
Dr Hartsfield and her staff are the best!!
Sharon S.
This has been the most rewarding and beneficial medical decision I have ever made. Dr. Hartsfield and her staff are dedicated to patient care and well-being.
A. Owen
Dr. Amy Hartsfield and the staff of TMJ and Sleep Solutions of Alabama are first class in every respect. From the initial consultation, I was treated with care and concern. Dr. Hartsfield encouraged me through the process until the desired outcome was achieved. I'm grateful to this practice for improving my quality of life.
Sally M.
Wonderful!
Jessica Q.
Awesome Team at TMJ and Sleep Solutions. They all make you feel like family when you visit. Very prompt service and they go above and beyond what you might expect. Dr. Hartsfield makes sure to give you plenty of time to ask any questions and is very thorough in explaining everything related to your treatment plan. I highly recommend them and can’t thank them enough for the great results I have experienced.
C. Smith
I had been searching for answers for my sleep problems for years. Several doctors did not know what to do with me so they only offered me sleep medications. As a 48 year old single mom, I knew my kids deserved a mom that was taking care of herself. So I was an advocate for myself and found Dr. Hartsfield. I invested in a dental sleep device to help my mild sleep apnea/upper airway resistance syndrome. One of the best health investments I could have made for myself. As a result, I have more energy to live my life to the fullest. I have energy to workout and eat healthy. A definite game changer for me!
Anonymous
Wonderful experience overall. Thank you so much. Looking forward to my next appointment.
Beverly T.
Words can hardly express how grateful I am to be your patient. Over the last 4 years, I have seen many providers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals, and I have never encountered a provider as dedicated and genuinely caring as Dr. Hartsfield. Her compassion extends through her team as well. The level of care I received at TMJ and Sleep Solutions of Alabama is absolutely excellent and beyond. My treatment has been a blessing and answered prayer.
Katrina K
This has been the most rewarding and beneficial medical decision I have ever made. Dr. Hartsfield and her staff are dedicated to patient care and well-being.
- Audra O.
Words can’t describe sleeping through the night for the first time in over 6 years. My custom mouthpiece by Dr. H will really change my life in all the best ways.
- Leann H.
Everyone in the office is so friendly and helpful. Dr. Hartsfield is so knowledgeable and takes a tremendous amount of time with each patient to get to the root cause of the issue.
- Garner T.
Dr. Hartsfield has improved my quality of life. Her passion for helping her patients is remarkable, plus so caring. Well run office with great support staff.
- Sharon M.

Why Choose TMJ & Sleep Solutions for OAT?

At TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama, our mission is to provide personalized care that restores your quality of life.

Expertise that matters: Dr. Amy Hartsfield is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (A‑BDDSM) and the American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP). Her status represents her deep mastery in treating sleep apnea, jaw pain, migraines, and other sleep disorders.

After working in general dentistry for 14 years, she decided to pursue Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine after struggling with TMJ disorder, migraines, and a sleep breathing disorder. Her experience inspired her to further her education to help those navigating similar conditions.

Her local roots, specialized expertise, and patient-first approach make TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama a trusted leader in oral appliance therapy.

Gold‑standard care: We follow AASM and AADSM protocols for patient safety, comfort, and results, so you’re benefiting from the same high standards used in top sleep centers.

Local & accessible: We proudly serve Birmingham, Hoover, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and the surrounding areas.

Book Your OAT Consultation Today

Ready to stop struggling with sleep apnea? Better sleep starts with TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama. Schedule your oral appliance consultation today!