CPAP has been difficult
Explain what you have tried, what feels uncomfortable, and the support you need while an alternative is evaluated.
Discuss alternatives →Build on what you know · Livingston, Texas
Already diagnosed?
Explore your options.
Have a sleep apnea diagnosis? Bring your sleep-study results and treatment experience to an oral-appliance consultation in Livingston.
Dr. Ayaba GuisteDental Sleep Medicine · LivingstonBefore you schedule
Costs & insurance
Ask about the consultation fee, who would provide and bill for testing, and your plan’s requirements. Confirm an estimate before proceeding.
Insurance & cost questions →Testing arrangements
Ask whether testing is appropriate, which provider would arrange it, and whether it would take place at home or in a sleep center. Equipment and collection arrangements depend on that plan.
Results & next steps
Ask who will interpret your study, how you will receive the results, and when to expect that conversation. A medical provider guides diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Bring your existing sleep studyDental suitability mattersA clear plan for follow-up
What brings you here?
Choose the conversation
you need today.
I’m considering my first appliance
Learn about dental suitability, fitting, possible side effects, costs and how treatment response is checked.
Explore oral appliance care →I already wear an appliance
For fit, damage or new discomfort, contact your treating provider. Call us first to discuss whether our office can help with your device.
Get follow-up guidance →A closer look at the mechanism
Custom fit
over the teeth→Lower jaw held
farther forward→Helps support
an open airway
over the teeth→Lower jaw held
farther forward→Helps support
an open airway
Conceptual sequence. Device design and adjustment are individualized.
Small device. A specific purpose.
How a change in jaw
position can help.
A mandibular advancement appliance holds the lower jaw forward during sleep. That position can help keep the airway from becoming blocked.
Fit and comfort are only part of the picture. Follow-up is needed to monitor dental effects and assess how well treatment works for you.
Understand how it works →Make the consultation useful
Bring the story
behind your results.
Tell us what you have tried and what has been difficult. Mask comfort, nightly use, travel and your own treatment goals are all useful topics to discuss.
If you use CPAP, keep following your prescribing clinician’s instructions while another option is evaluated.
Explore CPAP alternatives →Your records checklist
- Your diagnostic sleep-study report
- Referral or prescription, if available
- Current medications and treatment history
- Medical insurance details and cost questions
Missing something? Call first. We can explain what is needed and how to provide records.
Call (936) 268-9778 →Personalized care
A diagnosis doesn’t
choose the device.
Oral appliances may be considered for selected adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Your diagnosis, medical treatment plan and dental evaluation help determine whether this is a suitable approach.
How oral appliance therapy works →Ask before you decide
- Why is this treatment being recommended for me?
- What comfort or bite changes should I report?
- How will we check whether it is working?
- What is included in the estimated cost?
See how the pieces connect
From sleep questions
to ongoing care.
Your starting point may be different. The medical and dental steps work together when an oral appliance is appropriate.
- 01
Evaluation
A medical provider considers symptoms, history and the need for testing.
- 02
Sleep study
An appropriate test provides information about breathing during sleep.
- 03
Medical review
Your physician explains the diagnosis and treatment options.
- 04
Dental evaluation
Dr. Guiste examines teeth, gums, bite and jaw for appliance suitability.
- 05
Fitting & adjustment
If appropriate, a custom appliance is fitted and adjusted with your dentist.
- 06
Follow-up
Your care team reviews comfort and treatment response, including testing when indicated.
Answers before decisions
Questions about
your next step?
Bring your own questions, too. We’ll help you prepare for the conversation.
Will I need another sleep study?
Not everyone needs the same next step. Your clinician will consider your existing report, current symptoms and treatment history before deciding whether more testing is needed.
Does my diagnosis mean I can use an oral appliance?
Not automatically. The type of sleep apnea, medical treatment plan and dental findings all matter. A dental evaluation helps determine whether an appliance is suitable.
Can I stop CPAP before my appointment?
Discuss changes with your prescribing clinician. A consultation about an alternative does not replace your current treatment instructions.
Can I upload my report here?
Please call our office to arrange the appropriate way to provide medical records. This website does not accept record uploads.
Still looking for a diagnosis?
Start with a clearer picture.
Patient education: NIH / NHLBI — diagnosis · AASM Sleep Education
A conversation is a good place to start
Let’s find your next step
toward better sleep.
Tell us what you’re experiencing. We’ll help you prepare for a visit.