Contacts

2999 Regent St #302, Berkeley, CA 94705
info@acorndds.com
+1 510-848-0114

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Berkeley, CA

Stop Snoring & Sleep Better with Custom Oral Appliances

22M+
Americans Affected
FDA
Approved Devices
No CPAP
Comfortable Alternative
Free
Consultation

Custom oral appliance therapy — a comfortable, FDA-approved CPAP alternative for mild-to-moderate sleep apnea and snoring.

At Acorn Family Dental Care, we understand that snorring isn't just an annoyance — it can be a sign of a serious health condition.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects millions of Americans, robbing them of rest and putting their health at risk. Dr. Teah Nguyen provides Oral Appliance Therapy, a comfortable, FDA-approved alternative to CPAP for mild-to-moderate sleep apnea and snoring.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Berkeley, CA

Do You Have Sleep Apnea? Symptom Checker

Many people don't realize they have sleep apnea. Ask yourself (or your bed partner) these questions:

Nighttime Signs

  • Loud Snoring: Snoring that wakes others or can be heard through walls.
  • Gasping/Choking: Waking up suddenly gasping for air.
  • Breathing Pauses: Your partner notices you stop breathing for seconds at a time.
  • Restless Sleep: Tossing, turning, or battling the sheets.

Daytime Symptoms

  • Excessive Fatigue: Feeling tired even after a full night's sleep.
  • Morning Headaches: Waking up with a dull ache or dry mouth.
  • Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
  • Irritability: Mood swings or depression.

If you checked 3+ symptoms, you may need an evaluation.
Call (510) 848-0114

The Hidden Killer: Health Dangers

Untreated sleep apnea is life-threatening. When you stop breathing, your oxygen levels drop, causing your heart to race and blood pressure to spike — hundreds of times a night.

Serious Complications Include:

  • Heart Disease & Stroke: Increases risk of heart attack, stroke, and irregular heartbeat (AFib).
  • High Blood Pressure: 50% of people with sleep apnea have hypertension.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Worsens insulin resistance and blood sugar control.
  • Weight Gain: Disrupts hunger hormones, making it harder to lose weight.

Treating sleep apnea doesn't just help you sleep — it can save your life.

Ready to get started?

Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better oral health.

CPAP vs. Oral Appliance Therapy

Expert Care

Personalized treatment by Dr. Nguyen

CPAP vs. Oral Appliance Therapy

While CPAP is effective, 50% of patients stop using it because it's uncomfortable. Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a proven alternative.

CPAP Machine Oral Appliance
Mask on face & hose Small mouthpiece (like a sports guard)
Requires electricity & distilled water No power needed, fits in pocket
Can be noisy & disturb partner Silent operation
Best for SEVERE apnea Best for MILD-MODERATE apnea
50% Compliance (Hard to stick with) 90% Compliance (Easy to use)

How it works: The custom-fitted device gently positions your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open while you sleep. Most patients adapt within a few nights.

Cost & Insurance Coverage

At Acorn Family Dental Care, we help make treatment affordable. We work with your medical insurance to maximize your benefits.

Service Est. Cost Typical Coverage
Home Sleep Test $150 - $300 ~80% (Medical Ins.)
Custom Oral Appliance $1,500 - $3,000 ~80% (Medical Ins.)*
CPAP Machine $500 - $3,000 Varies

*Coverage typically requires a medical diagnosis of OSA and sometimes a failed CPAP trial.

Payment Options

  • We verify your Medical Insurance benefits for you.
  • Flexible monthly payment plans available (starting at ~$100/mo).
  • HSA/FSA funds accepted.
  • CareCredit financing available.
  • Cherry patient financing — apply in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common sleep apnea warning signs: loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, high blood pressure, waking with dry mouth/sore throat. If your partner notices you stop breathing during sleep, seek evaluation immediately.
Sleep apnea treatment costs: Home sleep test ($150-$300), Oral appliance ($1,500-$3,000), CPAP machine ($500-$3,000). Most insurance covers 80% of oral appliance after medical diagnosis. We offer payment plans from $100/month and accept CareCredit and <a href="https://pay.withcherry.com/acorn-family-dental-care-office-of-trang-h-nguyen-dds-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cherry patient financing</a>.
Yes! Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can treat mild-moderate sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy (MAD devices). This requires coordination with a sleep physician for diagnosis. Dentists cannot diagnose sleep apnea but can provide FDA-approved treatment devices.
For mild-moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances are 70-90% as effective as CPAP but with much higher compliance (90% vs 50%). CPAP is more effective for severe cases. Many patients prefer oral appliances due to comfort, portability, and ease of use.
Yes! Most medical insurance (not dental) covers oral appliance therapy at 80% after diagnosis. Requires: sleep study showing OSA, medical diagnosis from sleep doctor, failed CPAP trial (some plans). We verify benefits and handle pre-authorization.
Snoring is noise from vibrating tissues; sleep apnea is when breathing STOPS completely (10+ seconds). All sleep apnea patients snore, but not all snorers have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea includes: gasping, choking, daytime exhaustion, health risks. Both can be treated with oral appliances.
Diagnosis requires a sleep study (polysomnogram). This can be done in a sleep lab or with a convenient Home Sleep Test that you wear in your own bed. The study measures your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate to determine if you have OSA.
Yes! This is one of the biggest benefits. Unlike CPAP, which requires power, distilled water, and bulky carrying cases, an oral appliance fits in your pocket. It's perfect for camping, business trips, and vacations.
Yes! 90% of patients report a significant reduction or complete elimination of snoring. Since the appliance keeps the airway open, the tissues don't vibrate against each other. Your partner will thank you!
Most patients adjust within 3-7 nights. You may experience some extra salivation or minor jaw soreness for the first few mornings, but this passes quickly. We show you jaw stretches to minimize any discomfort.
It can be. Physical traits like jaw shape, tongue size, and neck thickness are inherited. If your parents have sleep apnea, you are at higher risk. Weight and lifestyle also play major roles.
No. Drugstore snore guards are not FDA-approved for treating sleep apnea. They are bulky, uncomfortable, and can actually worsen breathing or damage your jaw joint (TMJ). A professional device is custom-made for your specific anatomy.
Yes. Sleep deprivation disrupts your hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin), making you crave sugary, high-carb foods. It also leaves you too tired to exercise. Treating apnea often helps patients finally lose stubborn weight.
Untreated sleep apnea can shave years off your life. It dramatically increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and car accidents. It also ruins your quality of life due to chronic exhaustion.
Call us for a consultation. We will assess your airway, discuss your symptoms, and help coordinate a sleep study if you haven't had one. If you're a candidate, we can get you fitted for a device quickly.

Related Articles

Expert insights and tips from our dental team

View all articles
How Insomnia Damages Your Teeth and Gumsinsomnia

May 15, 2024

How Insomnia Damages Your Teeth and Gums

Poor sleep triggers grinding, dry mouth, and gum disease. Learn the surprising link between insomnia and dental damage — plus how to protect your smile.

Read article
What Your Dentist Can Tell About Your Healthoral health

May 6, 2026

What Your Dentist Can Tell About Your Health

Your mouth reveals signs of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer before symptoms appear. Learn what a routine dental exam can uncover about your overall health.

Read article
Too Much Fluoride? Signs of Fluorosis and Safe Levelsfluoride

Mar 27, 2024

Too Much Fluoride? Signs of Fluorosis and Safe Levels

Fluoride prevents cavities, but excess causes fluorosis and health risks. Learn the safe daily limits for adults and children and signs you're getting too much.

Read article

Book Appointment

Schedule your visit in seconds

Schedule a Checkup
or call us
Emergency & Appointments+1 (510) 848-0114