Sleep Apnea Treatment in New Orleans
A comfortable, custom-fitted oral appliance that helps keep your airway open during sleep, designed by Reza Edalati, DDS, MS — a prosthodontist with deep expertise in bite mechanics and jaw positioning.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a temporary pause in breathing during sleep, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. It most often occurs when the airway becomes blocked, interrupting airflow and causing snoring. Oral appliance therapy gently repositions the lower jaw to help keep that airway open.
How oral appliance therapy works
A CPAP alternative for many patients- A custom appliance is worn like a night guard while you sleep
- It gently repositions the lower jaw forward
- That helps prevent the soft tissue collapse that blocks the airway
- It is silent, portable, and requires no mask or machine
- It is best suited to mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea
Consider treatment if you…
Common signs and symptoms- Have been told you snore loudly at night
- Wake up tired despite a full night’s sleep
- Experience morning headaches or dry mouth
- Have been previously diagnosed with sleep apnea
- Have difficulty concentrating or feel drowsy during the day
- Want a comfortable alternative to CPAP
How the two compare
Both treat sleep apnea. Which suits you depends largely on the severity of your diagnosis.
| Feature | Oral appliance | CPAP |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable to wear | Yes | Often not |
| Silent, no machine noise | Yes | No |
| Easy to travel with | Yes | No |
| No mask required | Yes | No |
| Suits mild to moderate apnea | Yes | Yes |
| Suits severe apnea | No | Yes |
Your treatment journey, step by step
A straightforward process; most patients have their appliance within a few appointments.
Consultation
Dr. Edalati evaluates your symptoms, reviews any prior sleep study results, and determines whether an oral appliance is appropriate for your level of sleep apnea.
Impressions
A precise mold or digital scan of your upper and lower teeth is taken, so the appliance fits your exact bite for comfort and effectiveness.
Device fabrication
Your appliance is crafted by a dental lab, designed to gently reposition your lower jaw forward and help keep the airway open during sleep.
Fitting & follow-up
The appliance is fitted and adjusted for comfort and correct jaw position, with follow-up appointments to confirm it is working as intended.
Sleep apnea treatment that fits your budget
Cost depends on the appliance prescribed for your case. You receive upfront pricing with no hidden fees, many medical and dental plans contribute toward oral appliance therapy, and CareCredit financing is available.
Why choose Dr. Edalati for sleep apnea treatment?
Prosthodontist expertise
Dr. Edalati is a prosthodontist with deep expertise in bite mechanics and jaw positioning, which is exactly what designing an effective oral appliance depends on.
A CPAP-free option
For many patients with mild to moderate apnea, a custom oral appliance is a comfortable, silent, travel-friendly alternative to a mask and machine.
Fitted, then followed up
The appliance is adjusted for correct jaw position at fitting, and follow-up appointments confirm it is doing its job.
Reza Edalati, DDS, MS
Dr. Edalati is a prosthodontist, the dental specialist the ADA recognizes for crowns, bridges, and complex restorations. He earned his DDS from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and completed his specialty in Prosthodontics at LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans.
He further completed an MSc in Esthetic & Restorative Dentistry at the University of Manchester. With over 20,000 patients treated and more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Edalati designs oral appliances around how your jaw actually functions, balancing airway position with a bite you can tolerate night after night.
- Sleep apnea appliances & TMJ therapy
- Dental implants & full mouth rehabilitation
- Prosthodontics — LSU School of Dentistry, New Orleans
- MSc Esthetic & Restorative Dentistry — University of Manchester
Sleep apnea questions, answered
Do I need a sleep study first?
A diagnosis matters, because the right treatment depends on severity. Dr. Edalati reviews any prior sleep study results and will advise you if a sleep physician’s assessment is needed before proceeding.
Can an oral appliance replace my CPAP?
For many people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, yes. Severe apnea is generally better treated with CPAP. Your consultation covers which applies to you.
Is the appliance comfortable to wear?
It is custom-fitted from a mold or digital scan of your teeth and adjusted at fitting, which is what makes it tolerable to wear every night. Most patients adapt within a couple of weeks.
How does it stop snoring?
It gently holds the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps prevent the soft tissue collapse at the back of the throat that obstructs airflow and causes snoring.
Will insurance cover it?
Many medical and dental plans contribute toward oral appliance therapy. Our team helps verify your coverage, and CareCredit financing covers any remainder.
