New Hanover County · Since 1987
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Castle Hayne, 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
Understanding sleep apnea appliances
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 ›
Patients from Castle Hayne
Castle Hayne runs on shift work, the nuclear campus, the airport and the rail corridor, and employer dental benefits go unused every year.
Clenching under physical load is common in manual trades, and the wear pattern on the back teeth usually makes it obvious.
ILM airport sits just south of Castle Hayne, and the NC-133 run to N. 23rd Street avoids the worst of the city traffic.
GE Vernova Hitachi is the anchor employer, and shift patterns there shape how we schedule Castle Hayne appointments.
River Bluffs has added a different resident profile to what was a rural community a decade ago.
We see patients from across Castle Hayne and the surrounding area, including GE Vernova Hitachi, ILM airport, River Bluffs and the 28429 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.
Employer plans usually cover a meaningful share of this, and the balance resets in January whether you used it or not.
Early morning appointments starting at 8:00 so a cleaning does not cost you a shift.
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.
Follow-up appointments are brief and we open at 8:00, so they rarely cost more than the start of a shift.
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.
Employer dental benefits reset annually and unused balance does not carry over. If you have not used yours this year, it is worth checking what is left before December.
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 Castle Hayne?
About 11 miles, or roughly 20 minutes via NC-133 South (Castle Hayne Road) to N. 23rd Street. We are at 1301 Physicians Dr in Wilmington, with parking at the door.
Do you see patients from Castle Hayne?
Regularly. Castle Hayne is part of our core service area in New Hanover County, and early morning appointments starting at 8:00 so a cleaning does not cost you a shift.
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 · Castle Hayne, 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.
