77 W Port Plaza Dr.
Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63146
Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63146
Sleep apnea can affect more than your sleep. It can impact your energy, mood, focus, and long-term health. At Smiles by Choice, we provide sleep apnea treatment in St. Louis with a calm, supportive approach and a plan built around your needs. If you are in Maryland Heights or anywhere in the St. Louis area, you can get real answers and a treatment path that feels manageable from day one.
Many people live with sleep apnea for years without knowing it. Loud snoring, waking up tired, and feeling drained during the day can start to feel normal, even when they are not. Some patients also wake up with headaches, dry mouth, or a sense that their sleep never fully restores them.
If you have already completed an at-home sleep study and received a diagnosis, the next step is treatment that supports steady, healthy sleep.
At Smiles by Choice, you get guidance from a friendly, professional team that respects your time and keeps the process simple from start to finish.
The right treatment depends on your specific diagnosis and your daily routine. That is why we begin with your sleep study results and coordinate with the diagnosing physician to understand the details.
Once you have an official diagnosis, we help you review your options and choose a plan that fits your health goals, comfort needs, and lifestyle.
For many patients with obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can be a comfortable alternative to CPAP. An oral appliance is a custom-fit device you wear during sleep. It helps keep your airway open by gently positioning your jaw to support better airflow.
Patients often like oral appliances because they are:
We focus on proper fit, thoughtful adjustment, and follow-up care so your appliance feels comfortable and works as intended.
Some patients do best with CPAP therapy. If CPAP is recommended based on your diagnosis, we coordinate with trusted providers so you can get the right equipment and proper support. If you have tried CPAP and struggled, we can also discuss whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for you.
Our goal is not to push one solution. It is to help you follow a plan you can stick with, so your sleep and health improve over time.
Sleep apnea treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. First is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, a credential that reflects advanced training in dental sleep medicine and oral appliance therapy.
That expertise matters when you want treatment that is precise, comfortable, and monitored over time. It also means your care is guided by high standards focused on safety and results.
Getting used to a sleep apnea appliance can take a little time. Some patients notice mild jaw or muscle soreness early on. We guide you through what is normal, how to improve comfort, and when to reach out.
Follow-up visits are a key part of successful treatment. We check your fit, make adjustments as needed, and track how you are feeling so your treatment stays effective.
If your plan includes exercises or stretches to reduce jaw tension, we will show you how to do them safely and consistently.
At Smiles by Choice, care feels personal because it is personal. We build real relationships with patients, take time to listen, and create a comfortable environment that makes it easier to follow through.
You can expect:
Get a personalized sleep apnea treatment plan in St. Louis. Call to schedule.
Do I need a sleep study before starting sleep apnea treatment?
Yes. A sleep study provides the diagnosis and details needed to choose the right treatment. If you have not completed one yet, we can help you start with an at-home sleep study.
Is an oral appliance the same as a night guard?
No. Oral appliances for sleep apnea are designed specifically to support the airway during sleep. They are custom-fit and adjusted to help improve airflow and reduce breathing interruptions.
Can you help if I cannot tolerate CPAP?
Yes. Many patients explore oral appliance therapy when CPAP feels difficult to use. We will review your diagnosis and discuss whether an oral appliance may be appropriate.
How long does it take to get used to an oral appliance?
Many patients adjust within a few weeks. Mild soreness can happen early on, and follow-up adjustments help improve comfort and fit.
Do you treat patients outside Maryland Heights?
Yes. We serve patients from across St. Louis and surrounding areas for sleep apnea treatment, oral appliances, and ongoing care.