Snoring is often viewed as a nuisance, but in some cases it may be associated with sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Poor-quality sleep may affect daily energy levels, concentration and overall well-being. Dental sleep medicine offers one treatment approach for selected patients through custom oral appliances called mandibular advancement devices. At Wellbeing Dental, Dr. Tim Cheung provides this care for patients in Delta, Surrey and surrounding communities, working alongside your physician.
Understanding dental sleep medicine
Dental sleep medicine focuses on the use of oral appliances to help manage certain sleep-related breathing disorders. Dentists who provide this care work as part of a healthcare team and collaborate with physicians when appropriate. Dr. Cheung completed the University of Alberta’s Expanded Obstructive Sleep Apnea Program in 2025.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires diagnosis by a qualified physician. A dentist does not diagnose sleep apnea. Dr. Cheung can provide an oral appliance only after a written request or prescription from your physician, and a physician needs to assess you before a dentist treats even simple snoring.
What is a mandibular advancement device?
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom-made oral appliance worn during sleep. It gently positions the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway more open. A custom MAD is adjustable, often in steps as small as half a millimetre, so comfort and fit can be fine-tuned. Unlike over-the-counter mouthguards, it is made to fit your mouth after a comprehensive dental exam and diagnostic records. Appliances used to treat medically diagnosed sleep apnea are Health Canada licensed medical devices.
Not every patient is a suitable candidate. Your dentist will look at your oral health, jaw function, number of teeth and existing dental work before deciding whether an oral appliance is appropriate.
Comprehensive management of obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is typically managed through several clinical and lifestyle approaches. Your healthcare team may recommend one or a combination of the following:
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): The standard medical treatment, using a machine to provide constant air pressure through a mask.
- Mandibular advancement devices (MAD): Custom dental appliances that reposition the jaw to support the airway.
- Positional therapy: Techniques or devices that help prevent sleeping in positions, such as on the back, that worsen airway obstruction.
- Surgical options: Procedures to address anatomical obstructions in the nose, throat or jaw.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular physical activity, better sleep habits, balanced nutrition, less substance use, healthy social connections and active stress reduction.
Dr. Cheung considers all of these for every patient, along with your overall health and a basic check of how well you breathe through your nose. Where appropriate, he works with other health professionals, such as your family physician, a respirologist or an ENT specialist.
Potential benefits of custom oral appliances
For carefully selected patients, a custom mandibular advancement device may offer:
- Reduced snoring in some people
- Better comfort than non-custom devices
- A custom fit based on your dental anatomy
- Easier portability for travel
- A non-surgical option for eligible patients
- An option for people who find CPAP hard to tolerate
Treatment outcomes vary from person to person, and regular follow-up appointments are important to check comfort, fit and oral health.
How to get started
If you already have a prescription or sleep study report, email it to [email protected] before your visit, then book online or call us. If you think you may have a sleep problem but have no diagnosis yet, book a sleep consultation. Dr. Cheung will go through medical questionnaires, explain how sleep apnea presents and what health risks it carries, review treatment options, and do a preliminary check of your teeth, gums and oral health. If sleep apnea is suspected, he will refer you to your physician.
An appliance made only for snoring is also available, but a sleep study is still required first to rule out obstructive sleep apnea.
Ongoing monitoring
After you receive an appliance, regular follow-up visits matter. Expect to be seen regularly during the first six months while the appliance is adjusted, then at least once a year. Your dentist will check the appliance, your teeth and your jaw joints, and decide whether adjustments are needed.
Continue follow-up with your physician as well. Ongoing communication between your healthcare providers helps keep treatment appropriate over time.
Maintaining your oral appliance
Proper care supports your oral health and may help your appliance last three to five years. General recommendations:
- Clean the appliance daily using the method your dentist recommends.
- Store it in its protective case when not in use.
- Attend your regular dental examinations so the appliance and your oral health can be checked.
- Report any discomfort, damage or change in your bite promptly.
Talk to us about dental sleep medicine
If you have questions about custom oral appliances for snoring or physician-diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, Wellbeing Dental (Dr. Timothy Cheung Inc.) is a dental clinic serving Delta and Surrey, and we are happy to talk through your options. Book a sleep consultation or call 604-596-5585.
This post is for general information and is not medical advice.