Sleep apnea therapy in Mount Laurel, NJ from Ellis Orthodontics centers on one thing: a custom-made oral appliance that helps keep your airway open while you sleep. If you snore heavily, wake up gasping, or feel exhausted no matter how much sleep you get, it may be worth asking Dr. Len Ellis or Dr. Simona Lekht whether an oral appliance could help.
Unlike a CPAP machine, a custom oral appliance is small, portable, and worn like a mouthguard. It works by gently repositioning your jaw or tongue to help keep your airway open through the night — reducing snoring and, for many patients, easing the breathing pauses associated with sleep apnea.
This isn’t a fit for every case. More complex or severe sleep apnea sometimes needs braces, surgery, or coordination with a sleep physician to address the underlying jaw alignment or airway issue — and Dr. Ellis or Dr. Lekht will be upfront with you about which category your case falls into before recommending any treatment.
Here’s how sleep apnea therapy works at our Mount Laurel office:
- 1
Free consultation
Dr. Ellis or Dr. Lekht discusses your symptoms — snoring, fatigue, or a prior sleep apnea diagnosis — to see if an oral appliance may help.
- 2
Custom fitting
If it’s a good fit, your appliance is custom-made to your bite and jaw.
- 3
Nightly wear
You wear the appliance during sleep, similar to a mouthguard.
- 4
Follow-up check-ins
We check how you’re responding and adjust as needed.
- 5
Coordination with your physician, if needed
For more complex cases, we’re glad to coordinate with your sleep physician or refer you appropriately.
Why Patients Choose a Custom Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea
More portable than CPAP
No machine, no mask, no cord — just a custom-fit appliance you wear at night.
Comfortable, custom fit
Built specifically for your bite, not an over-the-counter mouthguard.
Honest guidance either way
If your case needs more than an oral appliance can offer, we’ll tell you plainly and help you find the right next step.
Sleep Apnea Therapy FAQs
How do I know if I need sleep apnea therapy?
Heavy snoring, waking up gasping, or feeling exhausted despite a full night’s sleep are common signs worth discussing at a consultation — though a formal sleep apnea diagnosis typically comes from a sleep physician.
Is an oral appliance as effective as a CPAP machine?
For milder cases, an oral appliance can be an effective, more comfortable alternative; more severe cases may still need CPAP or other treatment. Your provider will help you understand where your case falls.
Do I need a sleep study first?
Many patients come to us with a diagnosis already in hand; if you don’t have one, we can help point you toward getting evaluated.
Is the appliance uncomfortable to wear?
It’s custom-fitted to your bite specifically to minimize discomfort, though there’s typically a short adjustment period like with any new oral appliance.
Can this treatment also help with jaw pain or clicking?
Sometimes there’s overlap with TMJ symptoms — mention any jaw discomfort at your consultation so it can be addressed together.
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine is a helpful resource for understanding oral appliance therapy as a treatment option for snoring and sleep apnea.
Orthodontist for Snoring Near Me? We Serve South Jersey
Many patients ask whether a sleep apnea mouthguard in Mount Laurel, NJ, a custom alternative to CPAP (mouthpiece therapy instead of a mask and machine), could help them. Our airway-focused orthodontics team sees patients from these nearby towns:
Marlton, NJ
Marlton patients can ask about oral appliance therapy with our orthodontist Marlton NJ team.
Moorestown, NJ
Moorestown patients are a short drive away. Visit our orthodontist Moorestown NJ page.
Medford, NJ
Medford patients can learn more on our orthodontist Medford NJ page.
Cherry Hill, NJ
Cherry Hill patients can find details on our orthodontist Cherry Hill NJ page.
Dr. Len Ellis and Dr. Simona Lekht personally evaluate every sleep apnea therapy case and coordinate with your physician when a case calls for more than an oral appliance alone.
Tired of restless nights?
Ask about sleep apnea therapy at your free consultation.