If you snore, wake unrefreshed, or grind your teeth at night, the cause may not be in your bedroom, it may be in your airway. AAOSH-trained dentistry in Stephenville, TX.

Sleep Apnea Dentist in Stephenville, TX

Custom oral appliances, airway evaluation, and the AAOSH-trained clinical work that connects breathing, sleep, and oral health. Dr. Stephen LaDuque, Stephenville, TX.

Airway-aware care, grounded in clinical evidence

Why patients choose Dental Excellence for sleep dentistry

Your sleep-dentistry questions

What is a sleep apnea dentist?+

A sleep apnea dentist is trained to recognize the oral signs of sleep-disordered breathing, worn teeth, scalloped tongue, recurrent jaw pain, narrow palate, and to fit a custom oral appliance that holds the lower jaw forward during sleep, opening the airway. Dr. LaDuque is a member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), the body that trains dentists in this work.

Do I need a sleep study before being fitted for an appliance?+

Yes. A medical sleep study (in-lab polysomnogram or a take-home test ordered by a physician) is required before fitting an oral appliance for obstructive sleep apnea. We coordinate the referral, then deliver the appliance once the diagnosis is confirmed.

How much does an oral appliance cost?+

A custom mandibular advancement device typically runs $1,500 to $3,000 depending on appliance type and complexity. Medical insurance frequently covers oral appliances for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, often at 80–100% after deductible. We verify your medical (not just dental) benefits before treatment.

Is an oral appliance better than a CPAP?+

CPAP remains the gold standard for severe sleep apnea. For mild-to-moderate cases, or for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliances are an evidence-based alternative supported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Many patients use both, CPAP at home, an oral appliance while traveling.

How long does it take to get used to an oral appliance?+

Most patients adapt within one to two weeks. Mild jaw soreness and excess salivation are common at first and resolve as the muscles adjust. We see you for a follow-up at two weeks and again at six weeks to fine-tune the position.

What about kids with sleep-disordered breathing?+

Children's airway development is shaped by jaw growth, oral habits, and tongue position. We screen for the patterns, mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, narrow palate, dark circles, at every pediatric visit. Early intervention with myofunctional therapy or orthodontic expansion can correct the trajectory before an appliance is needed.

Will my regular dentist see what you see?+

Probably not in the same way. Most general dentists are not trained in airway-aware evaluation. AAOSH-trained dentists are taught to read the mouth as part of whole-body health, a different lens than the cavity-and-cleaning model.

Are you accepting new sleep-apnea patients?+

Yes. New patients are welcome from Stephenville and across central Texas including Granbury, Glen Rose, Weatherford, Eastland, Comanche, Dublin, and Hico. Call (254) 965-2777 to schedule.