Sleep Apnea

SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT IN WOODLAND HILLS, CA

A good night's sleep is one of the most powerful ways to protect your health, boost your energy, and improve your quality of life. But if you're doing everything right and still waking up tired, groggy, or foggy-it could be more than stress. It could be sleep apnea.

Millions of Americans struggle with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder that interferes with breathing and puts long-term strain on your heart, brain, and immune system. Loud snoring, chronic fatigue, and trouble focusing are just the beginning.

At Woodland Hills Smiles in Woodland Hills, CA, we offer a comfortable, effective solution using custom-fitted oral appliances. These small, quiet devices gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep-without the bulk or noise of a CPAP machine.

Whether you've already been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are just starting to notice the signs, we're here to help you breathe easier, sleep deeper, and feel better every day.

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teeth-whitening-in-woodland-hills

WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring-it's a serious medical condition that causes your breathing to pause repeatedly throughout the night. These interruptions, often lasting 10 seconds or more, occur when the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax and block your airway. This common form of the disorder is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Each time your breathing stops, your oxygen levels drop. Your brain briefly wakes you up just enough to resume breathing-though you may not remember it happening. This cycle can repeat dozens or even hundreds of times per night, putting your body under constant stress and preventing the deep, restorative sleep you need to function at your best.

Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including:

  • Chronic fatigue and daytime sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
  • Mood swings, depression, or irritability
  • High blood pressure and heart disease
  • Increased risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes

Even if you go to bed early, you may still wake up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or pounding headache-and wonder why you're exhausted all day.

The good news? For many patients in Woodland Hills, sleep apnea can be treated effectively with a simple, custom-fitted oral appliance. These quiet, comfortable devices restore airflow while you sleep-no mask, no tubes, no noise.


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OUR SLEEP APNEA APPROACH

At Woodland Hills Smiles, we believe treating sleep apnea shouldn't be intimidating, uncomfortable, or one-size-fits-all. That's why our approach is centered on personalized care, advanced diagnostics, and treatment options that fit easily into your lifestyle.
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea-or for those who can't tolerate a CPAP machine-we offer custom oral appliances that are small, silent, and easy to wear. These devices gently reposition your lower jaw while you sleep, helping to keep your airway open so you can breathe freely throughout the night.
We also go beyond function to prioritize comfort. Each appliance is designed using precise digital scans of your teeth for a personalized fit-no bulky hardware, no messy impressions, and no frustrating adjustment period.
Here's what sets our care apart:
  • A thorough consultation that includes medical history, sleep screening, and a detailed oral exam
  • Collaboration with your physician or sleep specialist to ensure cohesive care
  • Clear communication and education at every step, so you feel confident and in control
  • Our goal is simple: to help you sleep better, feel better, and live better-through care that's tailored to your needs and delivered with compassion.
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teeth-whitening-in-woodland-hills

CUSTOM-FIT ORAL APPLIANCES FOR SLEEP APNEA RELIEF

At Woodland Hills Smiles, we offer several advanced oral appliance options to treat obstructive sleep apnea. These compact, comfortable devices are worn like a mouthguard while you sleep. They gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open-helping you breathe more freely, reduce snoring, and wake up refreshed.
Each oral appliance is selected based on your individual anatomy, bite alignment, and sleep health goals. Whether you've been diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA or can't tolerate CPAP therapy, we'll help you find the appliance that works best for you.


WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT

Starting sleep apnea treatment doesn't have to feel overwhelming. At Woodland Hills Smiles, we make the process clear, comfortable, and completely personalized-from diagnosis to better sleep.
Here's what you can expect:


Step 1: Sleep Evaluation & Consultation 


We begin with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Gunnala, where we'll review your symptoms, medical history, and any previous sleep studies. If you haven't been formally diagnosed, we can refer you to a trusted sleep physician or help arrange an at-home sleep test.


Step 2: Digital Scans & Appliance Selection


If oral appliance therapy is right for you, we'll take detailed digital impressions of your teeth-no goopy trays required. Based on your bite and sleep needs, we'll select the best-fitting device to support your airway and deliver results.


Step 3: Custom Fitting & Instruction


When your appliance arrives (typically in 2-3 weeks), you'll return for a fitting. We'll ensure it fits snugly and comfortably, make any needed adjustments, and show you how to wear and care for it at home.


Step 4: Follow-Up & Better Sleep 


Most patients adjust to their appliance within a few nights and report improved sleep, energy, and focus within the first week or two. We'll follow up with you to ensure your treatment stays on track-and you stay well rested.

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teeth-whitening-in-woodland-hills

IS ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?


Custom oral appliances can be a life-changing solution for many people struggling with sleep apnea-but they're not the right fit for everyone. A quick consultation at our Woodland Hills dental office can help determine whether this treatment matches your needs, health history, and lifestyle.


You may be a strong candidate if you:

  • Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Experience loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or frequent nighttime waking
  • Have been diagnosed with OSA but can't tolerate CPAP therapy
  • Prefer a quiet, non-invasive, and travel-friendly solution
  • Are not significantly overweight (as this may affect appliance effectiveness)
  • Want a treatment that's custom, comfortable, and easy to use

You may not be a candidate if you:

  • Have severe OSA that requires higher levels of airway support
  • Are missing many teeth or have oral health issues that affect appliance fit
  • Have TMJ disorder or severe bite misalignment (we'll assess this carefully)
  • Prefer a permanent surgical solution (we can refer you to the right specialist)

Not sure where you fall? Don't worry-we're here to help. If an oral appliance isn't the best option, we'll guide you through your alternatives, whether that's a referral to a sleep physician, assistance with CPAP therapy, or pairing treatment with lifestyle changes like weight management.


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ORAL APPLIANCE VS CPAP: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE

If you've been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you've probably heard of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. It's long been considered the gold standard-but for many patients, it's also noisy, uncomfortable, and difficult to maintain.

That's where oral appliance therapy comes in. Both treatments are effective at keeping your airway open while you sleep, but they work in very different ways-and the right choice depends on your diagnosis, comfort level, and lifestyle.

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At Woodland Hills Smiles, we often see patients who've struggled with CPAP therapy-whether due to discomfort, inconvenience, or low compliance. For the right candidates, a custom oral appliance offers a more comfortable, travel-friendly alternative with high success rates and strong patient satisfaction.

teeth-whitening-in-woodland-hills

teeth-whitening-in-woodland-hills

THE BENEFITS OF TREATING SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea can quietly affect every part of your life-from how you feel in the morning to your long-term health. The good news? Once your airway is properly supported and you begin getting uninterrupted rest, the improvements are often dramatic.

Patients who begin oral appliance therapy are frequently surprised by just how quickly-and significantly-they feel better. Here's what you can expect:

Wake Up Refreshed

Deep, restorative sleep supports your immune system, hormone balance, and energy levels. With your airway open all night, you'll wake up feeling clear-headed and truly rested-maybe for the first time in years.

Say Goodbye to Snoring

Snoring is one of the most common (and disruptive) symptoms of sleep apnea. Oral appliances reduce or eliminate snoring by preventing airway collapse-giving both you and your partner better sleep.

Improve Focus and Mood

When sleep is interrupted, it's harder to concentrate, remember details, or manage stress. Treating sleep apnea can help stabilize your mood, sharpen your memory, and improve your mental clarity.

Protect Your Heart Health

Untreated OSA puts added strain on your cardiovascular system. Effective treatment can help lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Enjoy a Quiet, Comfortable Solution

Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are silent, compact, and easy to maintain. There are no hoses, no electricity, and no bulky equipment-just a simple device that works with your life, not against it.


WHAT IF SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT ISN'T ENOUGH?

While oral appliance therapy works beautifully for many people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, it's not the full solution for everyone. If your symptoms persist-or if you're not an ideal candidate-we'll help you explore other treatment options to ensure you get the restful sleep you deserve.

At Woodland Hills Smiles, we take a collaborative, whole-health approach. If an oral appliance alone isn't sufficient, we may recommend combining treatment with other therapies or referring you to a trusted specialist.

  • Referral for CPAP Therapy:
  • For patients with severe or complex OSA, CPAP may still be the most effective option. If that's the case, we'll coordinate with your sleep physician to ensure seamless care.
  • Weight Management Support:
  • Excess weight can contribute to airway obstruction. Combining oral appliance therapy with weight loss can significantly improve your breathing and sleep quality.
  • Positional Therapy:
  • Some patients only experience sleep apnea when sleeping on their back. Simple tools or training techniques can help promote side-sleeping to reduce symptoms.
  • ENT or Surgical Referral:
  • In cases where structural issues (like enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum) are contributing to airway blockage, we may refer you to an ENT for further evaluation or surgical options.

Whatever your unique needs, you won't be left without a plan. We'll work with you-and alongside your medical team-to find the safest, most effective path to better sleep.

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HOW MUCH DOES SLEEP APNEA IN WOODLAND HILLS CA COST?

We believe better sleep-and better health-should be within reach. That's why we're transparent about pricing, flexible with payment options, and here to help you understand your insurance coverage every step of the way.

Typical Investment

  • Custom Oral Appliance Therapy: $2,500-$3,000
  • (Includes appliance selection, fittings, and follow-up care)
  • Replacement or Backup Appliances: Priced individually
  • Sleep Study (if needed): At-home sleep study is available through our office.

Your exact out-of-pocket cost will depend on your diagnosis, insurance coverage, and the type of appliance recommended. During your consultation, Dr. Gunnala will provide a clear estimate and answer any questions you have about coverage or next steps.

Flexible Financing Available

We offer financing options to make treatment more affordable for every budget. Whether or not insurance applies, we'll work with you to ensure that cost doesn't stand in the way of getting the restful, restorative sleep you need.


SCHEDULE A SLEEP APNEA CONSULTATION IN WOODLAND HILLS, CA

You deserve to wake up feeling rested, alert, and ready for your day-not groggy, foggy, or fighting to stay awake. At Woodland Hills Smiles, we offer a personalized, comfortable solution for sleep apnea that fits your life-without the hassle of a CPAP machine. Whether you've already been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or are just starting to explore your options, our team is here to help.

We'll walk you through every step of the process, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. Better sleep-and better health-starts here. Call us at (818) 883-0007 to schedule your sleep apnea consultation.

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Sleep Apnea FAQs

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with sleep apnea—or suspect you might have it—it’s normal to have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones we hear at Woodland Hills Smiles:

Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, frequent nighttime waking, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and waking with a dry mouth or sore throat.
Most cases are diagnosed through a sleep study. If you haven’t been diagnosed yet, we offer at-home sleep tests.
Yes. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. It also significantly affects your daily energy and quality of life.
Absolutely. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can provide FDA-approved oral appliances for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These devices are often a great alternative to CPAP therapy.
Snoring is the sound caused by air vibrating through partially blocked airways. While snoring alone isn’t always a problem, loud or chronic snoring—especially when paired with gasping or pauses in breathing—can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea.
Most patients find their appliance surprisingly easy to wear. Each one is custom-fit to your teeth and jaw, so it feels secure and comfortable. In fact, many patients prefer it over a CPAP mask.
Many patients report improvements within the first few nights. With consistent use, energy, mood, and concentration often improve within the first couple of weeks.
With proper care, a high-quality oral appliance can last 3 to 5 years or more. We’ll check your appliance during your regular dental visits to ensure a proper fit over time.
We’ll make adjustments to improve comfort and effectiveness if needed. If oral appliance therapy isn’t the right fit, we’ll help you explore other options, such as CPAP therapy or ENT referrals, to ensure you get the care you need.

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Woodland Hills, CA

5348 CA-27 # 102, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

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