Wilmington Sleep Apnea Dentist

Stop snoring. Start sleeping

Wake up rested. Live more. Call today and find out if a custom oral appliance is the answer.

dental cleaning at thrive family dental

A comfortable alternative to CPAP

Tired of waking up exhausted? Or tired of the CPAP machine sitting in the closet? At Thrive Family Dental, we make custom-fit oral appliances that treat sleep apnea without the mask, the noise, or the bedside machine.
Dr. Friberg has trained in dental sleep medicine and has helped hundreds of Wilmington patients get back to real rest. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or you suspect you have it, let’s talk.

Conquer your dental fears

Feel safe and supported

We built this practice to help alleviate dental anxiety, designing every detail with your comfort in mind.

  • Weighted eye masks
  • Blankets
  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Netflix
  • Spacious rooms designed for calm
  • Deep pressure therapy from our on-site Rehabilitative Facility Dog

No judgment. No pressure.
Just care rooted in love, dignity, and respect.

We’re on your team

Quiet, Comfortable, Custom

Custom-made to fit your mouth — way more comfortable than wearing a mask all night!.

Treats Real Sleep Apnea

These aren’t snore-stoppers. They’re FDA-cleared devices that hold your airway open and reduce apnea episodes.

Travel-Friendly

Fits in a small case. No power needed. Bring it camping, on flights, anywhere.

Backed by Medical Research

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recognizes oral appliance therapy as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea — and a strong alternative for severe cases where CPAP isn’t working.

Oral appliance vs. CPAP

CPAP is still the gold standard for severe sleep apnea — but only if you actually use it. The data is clear: most people stop using their CPAP within a year. For mild to moderate apnea (or for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP), oral appliances often deliver similar results with much higher long-term compliance.

For the best fit and protection, visit Thrive Family Dental, and we’ll talk through which option makes the most sense for you.

How your custom appliance is made

  • Consultation: Review your sleep study (or get one ordered) and discuss your goals and symptoms.
  • Digital Scan: A quick, comfortable scan of your mouth, no impressions.
  • Fabrication: Your appliance is custom-crafted to fit your bite and gently reposition your jaw.

 

  • Fitting and Adjustment: Final adjustments for comfort, and a follow-up sleep test to confirm it’s working.

A better night’s sleep starts with a conversation

At Thrive Family Dental, our Wilmington sleep apnea appliances are never one-size-fits-all. Dr. Friberg takes the time to understand your specific symptoms, uses advanced technology and premium materials, and follows up to make sure your appliance is doing its job.

Questions? We’ve got answers that make sense

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

If you snore loudly, wake up gasping, or feel exhausted despite a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea. A sleep study (often done at home in one night) is the only way to confirm—call us at (910) 240-4797, and we can refer you.

Will my medical insurance cover an oral appliance?

Often, yes. Oral appliances are typically billed through medical insurance, not dental, and many plans cover them when you have a sleep apnea diagnosis. We’ll verify your benefits before treatment.

Is the appliance uncomfortable to wear?

Most patients adjust within a few nights. Since it’s custom-made for your bite, it shouldn’t feel bulky or out of place, way more comfortable than store-bought options!

What if it doesn't work?

We follow up with a confirmation sleep test. If the appliance isn’t reducing your apnea, we’ll adjust it. If oral appliance therapy isn’t the right answer for your case, we’ll refer you back to your sleep physician for next steps.

How do I take care of it?

Just rinse it after each use and give it a gentle brush. Easy!

You matter.

Excellence matters.

Stress-free dental care doesn’t happen by accident. Your experience is built on expertise, precision, and a commitment to getting every detail right. With advanced technology, skilled hands, and a team that never cuts corners, we make every visit worth your time.

#1

Voted a favorite
Wilmington dentist.

1000s

Smiles transformed with award-winning care.

300+

Training hours completed by our Rehabilitative Facility Dog.

Your smile deserves a spot on our calendar. We can’t wait

to see you.

Feel at Home

Visit Our Studio

Do you suffer from dental anxiety? Your smile is safe here. Thrive Family Dental is a calm space with kind people. No rush and no pressure. Enjoy complimentary comfort add-ons proven to reduce fear and put you at ease.

Se habla Español. ¿Prefieres español? Llámanos al (910) 240-4797 y con gusto te atendemos.

8115 Market St.
Suite 204
Wilmington, NC 28411
Get Directions

Monday–Thursday: 8am–4pm
Friday: By Appointment