Sleep Apnea Treatment Maple Ridge
- Custom Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea and Snoring
- CBCT-Guided Airway Assessment, Done In-House
- A Comfortable CPAP Alternative for Patients Who Can't Tolerate a Mask
- We Work With Your Family Doctor From Diagnosis to Fitting
Why Choose Our Sleep Apnea Dentist in Maple Ridge
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy, Made for Your Bite
Every sleep apnea appliance we provide is custom-fabricated from a digital scan of your teeth and jaw, so it fits precisely and comfortably instead of a generic, one-size-fits-all snoring mouth guard.
CBCT Imaging for a Precise Assessment
We use CBCT imaging alongside a clinical exam of your airway, tongue position, and jaw structure to help determine whether obstructive sleep apnea treatment with an oral appliance is a good fit for your case.
We Work With Your Family Doctor, Every Step
A sleep study and referral from your family doctor are part of the process before any custom oral appliance for sleep apnea is prescribed. We coordinate with your doctor so nothing falls through the cracks between diagnosis and treatment.
Genuine Patient Reviews
See why patients trust our team by reading their experiences and learning how our dental sleep apnea treatment in Maple Ridge has helped them sleep better.
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Hygienist was so good with our little one. Let him explore the tools. Didn’t force anything that he didn’t want to do. Was able to polish and floss his teeth. Dentist was good about talking about his teeth and painting on the fluoride
Heather Holland
March 5, 2026Amazing consent and communication from everyone working on me. Any new tool or technique was discussed before they did it to ensure my comfort. Super fast, super kind, definitely recommend.
Hannah Van Severen
March 4, 2026I'm very happy with my recent visits to Westgate Dental. The staff are courteous and professional. I would certainly recommend them to others for their dental needs.
Denis
March 3, 2026 -
I just had a cleaning and checkup yesterday and it went very well . The staff make me always feel welcome and they are very attentive to the clients. Always a great experience at westgate dental
Keith Hall
March 3, 2026I had a wonderful experience at Westgate Dental Centre. From the moment I walked in, all the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. My hygienist, Joann, was so sweet and knowledgeable. She took great care of me during my cleaning and made me feel completely at ease throughout the appointment. I also want to thank Dr. Sidhu and Willow for making my gum graft surgery such a smooth and reassuring experience. They were thorough and professional, took their time to answer all of my questions, and made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. I truly appreciate the exceptional care I received and would highly recommend Westgate Dental Centre to everyone!
Anna Zheng
March 1, 2026Brittney is so professional courteous and kind. She.made me feel very comfortable during my cleaning appointment and ensured I was happy with my new night guard by inviting another team member into the room to help adjust the bite. I have also dealt with the other gal and she was also great! Highly recommended
lisa westgard
February 28, 2026 -
Most people are not fans of dental visits. That was me! But I actually look forward to the smiling, friendly staff at Westgate Dental! My hygienist is efficient and does a great job. My teeth feel great after my appt. Front staff are professional and process your insurance etc right away. And they explain my carrier's coverage w/ patience and a smile!
Allison Welters
February 25, 2026Emma is an amazing hygienist. Also Dr Dilion is an amazing and skilled doctor. Super friendly and out going. Have been coming here since I was a kid. They have always taken care of my dental needs.
Cole Schmid
February 24, 2026Great experience. Booking appointments has always been easy. They send appointment reminders which is helpful. The dentist and hygienists are friendly and skilled. Reception is always super friendly and welcoming. They are also great with kids.
Meagan Taylor
February 22, 2026 -
The front desk ladies are so super nice and friendly, always greeting patients and making them feel welcome. Dentist hygienists are very helpful , caring and work very professional and are well trained . I really feel I’m in good hands
Sitara
February 21, 2026Dr. Lavia does very good work and I would recommend him to anyone who feels like their dentist is not being genuine. This man made the experience quite comfortable and was very informative when giving me my treatment options. The hygienists have all been very professional and accommodating. The same gotta for the ladies at the front desk. Thank you to the whole team. You guys are amazing!
dane leclerc
February 21, 2026Dr Sidhu and his assistant, Erin, took great care of me at my dental appointment.
Nathalie Haynes
February 20, 2026 -
I had a cavity filled and it was very quick and painless.
mark Casidy
February 20, 2026I was referred to the dental clinic by a great friend, I was and am one that is petrified of the dentist, I take prescription medication to see them, however I still had too, dr Dhillon was AMAZING his assistant was AMAZING as well, I left with a second appointment booked so that says a lot lol HIGHLY RECOMMEND ☺️
Tammy Jansen
February 19, 2026Very good
Shelley Gaston
February 19, 2026
Serving Maple Ridge and
Surrounding Areas
Sleep apnea is a disorder marked by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can happen dozens of times a night and leave you feeling exhausted no matter how many hours you spend in bed.
Westgate Dental & Implant Centre provides sleep apnea treatment in Maple Ridge for patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are looking for an alternative to CPAP. As your sleep apnea dentist in Maple Ridge, we work alongside your family doctor, from your initial consultation through to a custom-fitted sleep apnea appliance made specifically for your bite.
Custom Oral Appliance
Therapy for Sleep Apnea in Maple Ridge
A custom oral appliance for sleep apnea is a small, custom-fitted device you wear at night, similar in shape to a mouthguard. It’s designed to gently reposition your lower jaw or tongue to help keep your airway open while you sleep.
Unlike a CPAP machine, an oral appliance doesn’t require a mask, hose, or power source. It’s quiet, portable, and travels easily, which is why many patients who struggle with CPAP compliance turn to oral appliance therapy as a CPAP alternative worth exploring with their care team.
At Westgate, oral appliances, including mandibular advancement devices, are fabricated from digital impressions of your teeth, so the fit is specific to your mouth rather than adjusted from a standard mold.
Understanding Sleep Apnea and Its Types
These lulls in breathing, known as apneas, can last from a few seconds to over a minute and occur repeatedly throughout the night.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common form. It occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, blocking the airway and preventing air from reaching the lungs despite ongoing effort to breathe.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
CSA is rare and involves the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Unlike OSA, there is no physical blockage.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
A combination of OSA and CSA, identified when central apneas persist even after OSA has been addressed with CPAP.
Sleep Apnea
Symptoms
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Pauses in breathing noticed by a partner
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Risk Factors
Obesity | Excess weight around the neck can contribute to airway obstruction. |
Age | More common in older adults. |
Gender | Men are more likely to develop OSA than women. |
Family History | Genetics can play a role. |
Alcohol or Sedative Use | These relax the throat muscles, increasing the chance of airway obstruction. |
Smoking | Increases inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway. |
Who Provides Your
Oral Appliance Care?
Dr. Tarn Dhillon, the lead dentist and owner at Westgate Dental & Implant Centre, oversees sleep apnea appliance cases at the clinic. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Dr. Dhillon manages a significant volume of mandibular advancement device cases, a service that remains relatively uncommon among general dental practices in the Maple Ridge area.
How Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment Works
Consultation and Symptom Review
We start with a conversation about your symptoms, sleep habits, and any prior diagnosis, along with a clinical look at your airway, jaw, and bite.
Sleep Study and Diagnosis
If you haven’t already been diagnosed, you’ll need a referral from your family doctor for a sleep study. This confirms whether you have obstructive sleep apnea and how severe it is, which helps guide your treatment options.
Digital Impressions
Once you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy, we take digital scans of your teeth and bite to design an appliance that fits precisely.
Fitting and Adjustment
Your custom oral appliance for sleep apnea is fabricated and fitted in our clinic. We make adjustments as needed to make sure it’s comfortable and positioned correctly.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
We schedule follow-up visits to check the fit, monitor your symptoms, and make any adjustments your sleep apnea appliance needs over time.
CPAP vs Oral Appliance Therapy
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) | Oral Appliance Therapy | |
| Mechanism | Delivers continuous air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open | Repositions the jaw or tongue to reduce airway obstruction |
| Typical Use Case | Often prescribed for moderate to severe OSA | Often considered for mild to moderate OSA, or for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP |
| Portability | Requires a machine, mask, and power source | Small, portable, no power source needed |
| Customization | Mask sizing and pressure settings adjusted to the patient | Custom-fabricated sleep apnea appliance made from a digital scan of your teeth and bite |
| Follow-Up | Managed by a sleep physician or respiratory therapist, with pressure adjustments over time | Managed by your dentist, with periodic fit checks and adjustments |
| Who Manages Treatment | Sleep physician or sleep clinic | Dentist, in coordination with your family doctor or sleep physician |
Which option is right for you depends on your diagnosis, severity, and personal comfort. For patients exploring a CPAP alternative, your family doctor or sleep physician will help determine whether CPAP, oral appliance therapy, or a combination of approaches is the best fit for your case.
Snoring Treatment
and Sleep Apnea
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but persistent, loud snoring is one of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea and is worth mentioning to your doctor or dentist, especially if it’s paired with gasping, choking, or noticeable pauses in breathing during sleep.
If snoring is affecting your sleep quality or your partner’s, a snoring treatment conversation usually starts with a proper evaluation rather than jumping straight to a device. If an evaluation points to obstructive sleep apnea, a snoring appliance or custom oral appliance for sleep apnea may be a relevant option to explore as part of your treatment plan.
Sleep Apnea Mouth
Guard vs Regular Night Guard
A sleep apnea mouth guard and a regular night guard might look similar, but they’re built for different jobs. A standard night guard is designed to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching (bruxism), and it typically doesn’t move your jaw into a new position.
A snoring mouth guard or sleep apnea oral appliance, on the other hand, is specifically designed to shift your lower jaw or tongue forward to help keep your airway open. If you’re not sure which one you need, or whether your snoring or grinding is related to sleep apnea, a dental night guard consultation with our team is a good place to start.
Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea
Improved Sleep Quality
By helping keep your airway open overnight, a sleep apnea appliance can help reduce the interruptions to your breathing that disturb sleep, so you spend more time in restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Reduced Snoring
Many patients notice a reduction in snoring once their airway is better supported during sleep with a snoring appliance, which can also mean better rest for a partner.
A Portable CPAP Alternative
No mask, no hose, no machine. Oral appliances are easy to travel with and don’t require a power source, making them a convenient CPAP alternative for many patients.
Support for Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is linked to a higher risk of insulin resistance and cardiovascular strain, since repeated drops in blood oxygen place extra demand on the body. Managing it, whether through oral appliance therapy or another approach, supports long-term metabolic and heart health.
Supports Mood and Overall Wellbeing
Poor sleep is closely tied to mood, focus, and stress levels. Research suggests that managing obstructive sleep apnea can support better daytime energy and overall wellbeing, though results vary from patient to patient. Your family doctor can speak to how your specific case may benefit.
Take the First Step Towards Better Sleep
Sleep apnea affects more than just your rest. Left unmanaged, it can affect your energy, mood, and long-term health. At Westgate Dental & Implant Centre, we work with you and your family doctor to find the right sleep apnea treatment in Maple Ridge for your diagnosis and your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Yes. Dentists can provide oral appliance therapy for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, working alongside your family doctor or sleep physician who oversees your diagnosis and overall care.
Can an oral appliance help if I can't tolerate CPAP?
For many patients who find CPAP uncomfortable or hard to stick with, oral appliance therapy is worth discussing with your doctor as a CPAP alternative, particularly for mild to moderate cases.
How is a sleep apnea appliance fitted?
After your diagnosis is confirmed, we take a digital scan of your teeth and bite to fabricate a custom sleep apnea appliance, then fit and adjust it in our clinic to make sure it’s comfortable and positioned correctly.
Can an oral appliance help with snoring?
By helping keep your airway open, a snoring appliance can help reduce snoring for many patients, though the right option depends on what’s causing it.
How often does my appliance need adjustment?
Oral appliances are typically checked and adjusted more frequently in the first few months, then evaluated at least once a year after that. Most appliances last 3-5 years before they need to be replaced.