New Hanover County · Since 1987
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Carolina Beach, NC
For diagnosed mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance holds the lower jaw forward and keeps the airway open. Many patients who cannot tolerate CPAP can tolerate this.
- Three doctors, one location
- Sedation available
- Most major plans accepted
- Written estimates before treatment
sleep apnea appliances, explained
The appliance looks like two connected night guards. It advances the mandible a few millimeters, which keeps the tongue and soft tissue from collapsing back during sleep.
Full detail on sleep apnea appliances ›
This treatment in Carolina Beach
Nearly half the housing on Pleasure Island is seasonal, so the year-round community here is smaller and often skips routine care for years at a time.
Jaw pain that flares under the pressure of a busy season is a pattern we see, and a properly adjusted night guard usually settles it.
Snow's Cut Bridge is the single point of access, so we schedule Carolina Beach appointments with the season in mind.
A significant share of the island's year-round workforce is in hospitality without employer dental coverage, and we handle those cases with payment plans rather than assumptions.
Pleasure Island's year-round community is roughly a third the size of its summer population, and dental care here is often deferred through the busy months.
We see patients from across Carolina Beach and the surrounding area, including the Boardwalk, Carolina Beach State Park, Snow's Cut and the 28428 ZIP code.
New Hanover County is the built-out core of the region, growing around one percent a year, with roughly 21 percent of residents over 65 and the highest concentration of employer dental coverage in southeastern North Carolina.
Off-season appointments are easier to get and the drive is quicker. If it is not urgent, October through April is the better window.
We keep same-day slots open for Pleasure Island because a chipped tooth on a Saturday should not wait until the season ends.
You may be a candidate if
- A diagnosis of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- CPAP prescribed but not tolerated
- Loud snoring with witnessed pauses in breathing
- Daytime sleepiness despite adequate hours
- Enough healthy teeth to retain the appliance
How the treatment runs
- Referral and sleep studyDiagnosis first. We coordinate with your physician.
- RecordsImpressions and a bite registration at the starting jaw position.
- DeliveryThe appliance is fitted and we show you how it seats.
- TitrationWe advance it gradually over several weeks to the effective position.
- Follow-up studyYour physician confirms it is working.
Afterwards
Morning jaw stiffness for the first weeks is common and settles. We check your bite periodically because long-term appliance wear can shift it slightly, and catching that early is easy.
If you are away for part of the year, tell us your dates at the start and we will build the schedule around them.
What it costs
Oral appliances for diagnosed sleep apnea are usually a medical benefit rather than a dental one. Coverage varies and it is worth pursuing. We will help you assemble what your medical carrier asks for.
If your income is seasonal, say so at the consultation. We can time treatment phases to the part of the year that suits your cash flow.
In their own words
Hear from Dr. Josh Winneberger
Dr. Winneberger on getting you numb without you noticing, and helping nervous patients get comfortable in the chair.
Questions we get asked
Will it change my bite?
Small changes can occur over years of wear. We monitor for it, and monitored change is manageable.
Can this replace my CPAP?
For mild to moderate apnea, often yes, and that is a decision made with your sleep physician. Severe apnea generally still needs CPAP.
How far is your office from Carolina Beach?
About 15 miles, or roughly 28 minutes via US-421 North over Snow's Cut Bridge. We are at 1301 Physicians Dr in Wilmington, with parking at the door.
Do you see patients from Carolina Beach?
Regularly. Carolina Beach is part of our core service area in New Hanover County, and we keep same-day slots open for Pleasure Island because a chipped tooth on a Saturday should not wait until the season ends.
What are your hours?
Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm. Outside those hours, leave a message or use the appointment request form and we will come back to you with the first available time.
Sleep Apnea Treatment · Carolina Beach, NC
Honest dentistry, since 1987.
We will tell you what needs doing now, what can wait, and what we would leave alone.
- Over 50,000 patients treated since 1987
- Comprehensive new patient exam including oral cancer screening
- Three doctors and a long-tenured team
- Most major dental plans accepted
Been told you need a lot of work somewhere else? Second opinions are welcome and we give them straight.
Request an appointment
We reply the next business day.
Please do not include Protected Health Information. For anything urgent, call (910) 762-0958.
