Conditions
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the upper airway is blocked partly or fully during sleep, causing pauses in breathing.
With obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your upper airway is blocked partly or completely when you are sleeping. Breathing pauses can repeat during the night. OSA can keep you from getting the good night's rest you need.
OSA is a medical condition, so a doctor guides its diagnosis and treatment.
Providers may recommend an oral appliance if you cannot use a CPAP machine. These appliances work by pulling the jaw or tongue forward while you sleep to open the airway. A dental appliance for sleep apnea is different from a night guard, which protects teeth from grinding. See also bruxism.