132 Alexander Rd, Stephenville TXMon to Wed, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.(254) 965-2777
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If you snore, wake unrefreshed, or grind your teeth at night, the cause may not be in your bedroom, it may be in your airway. Airway-aware dentistry in Stephenville, TX.

Adult sleeping peacefully under soft lighting, restored airway after oral appliance therapy at Dental Excellence in Stephenville, TX

Sleep Apnea Dentist in Stephenville, TX

Custom oral appliances, airway evaluation, and the oral-systemic clinical work that connects breathing, sleep, and oral health. Dr. Stephen LaDuque, Stephenville, TX.

Call (254) 965-2777

What is a sleep apnea dentist at Dental Excellence in Stephenville, TX?

A sleep apnea dentist is trained to recognize the oral signs of sleep-disordered breathing (worn teeth, scalloped tongue, recurrent jaw pain, narrow palate) and to fit a custom oral appliance that holds the lower jaw forward during sleep, opening the airway. At Dental Excellence in Stephenville, TX, Dr. Stephen LaDuque is an AAOSH member.

Reviewed by Dr. Stephen LaDuque, DDS, Dental Excellence, Stephenville, TX.

Airway-aware care, grounded in clinical evidence

AAOSH
American Academy for Oral Systemic Health member
3D CBCT
Cone-beam imaging maps the upper airway
Digital scanning
No impressions for appliance fabrication
Sleep-MD coordination
Diagnosis + Rx managed with your physician

Why patients choose Dental Excellence for sleep dentistry

AAOSH member

Dr. LaDuque is trained in airway and oral-systemic health, most general dentists are not. We read the mouth as evidence of how you breathe.

In-house imaging

3D cone-beam CT in our Stephenville office maps the upper airway alongside your jaw and bite, diagnostic detail no panoramic X-ray reveals.

CPAP alternative

Custom oral appliances are an evidence-based alternative for mild-to-moderate OSA and a portable backup for CPAP-intolerant patients.

Whole-mouth thinking

We evaluate worn teeth, scalloped tongue, narrow arches, and bite collapse, the visible record of long-term airway compromise.

Solutions for every airway story

Whether your concern is loud snoring, a confirmed sleep apnea diagnosis, or a child whose breathing pattern doesn't look right, we have a path forward.

Adult Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom mandibular advancement device for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring. Most patients adapt within two weeks.

CPAP Alternative or Adjunct

For patients who can't tolerate CPAP, or who want a travel-friendly backup. Coordinated with your sleep physician.

Pediatric Airway Screening

Routine evaluation of breathing patterns, palate width, and bite development at every pediatric visit. Early intervention often prevents adult OSA.

What our patients say

4.8 stars · 173+ Google reviews

★★★★★

Verified reviews on Google Business Profile · 173+ patients have left feedback

★★★★★

“I've lived all across the US and Dr. LaDuque and his staff are so thorough and caring, not just about your teeth but your overall health. I really feel like I've found my dentist for life here!”

Gabi S. · Google review

★★★★★

“I'm so thankful for Dr. LaDuque and his wonderful staff! They always take such good care of me and my boys!”

Verified Google review · April 2025

★★★★★

“Very informative. Dr. Stephen was very helpful in explaining everything and laying out a plan that helps both my health and my finances regarding paying for my visits. Staff was very nice and just as helpful.”

Verified Google review · April 2025

★★★★★

“Absolutely love all of the staff here! Everyone is so kind and they seem to genuinely care about their patients. Best dentist around!”

Verified Google review · March 2025

Read All 173+ Google Reviews

Your sleep-dentistry questions

What is a sleep apnea dentist?
A sleep apnea dentist is trained to recognize the oral signs of sleep-disordered breathing, worn teeth, scalloped tongue, recurrent jaw pain, narrow palate, and to fit a custom oral appliance that holds the lower jaw forward during sleep, opening the airway. Dr. LaDuque is a member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH).
Do I need a sleep study before being fitted for an appliance?
Yes. A medical sleep study (in-lab polysomnogram or a take-home test ordered by a physician) is required before fitting an oral appliance for obstructive sleep apnea. We coordinate the referral, then deliver the appliance once the diagnosis is confirmed.
How much does an oral appliance cost?
A custom mandibular advancement device typically runs $1,500 to $3,000 depending on appliance type and complexity. Medical insurance frequently covers oral appliances for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, often at 80–100% after deductible. We verify your medical (not just dental) benefits before treatment.
Is an oral appliance better than a CPAP?
CPAP remains the gold standard for severe sleep apnea. For mild-to-moderate cases, or for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliances are an evidence-based alternative supported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Many patients use both, CPAP at home, an oral appliance while traveling.
How long does it take to get used to an oral appliance?
Most patients adapt within one to two weeks. Mild jaw soreness and excess salivation are common at first and resolve as the muscles adjust. We see you for a follow-up at two weeks and again at six weeks to fine-tune the position.
What about kids with sleep-disordered breathing?
Children's airway development is shaped by jaw growth, oral habits, and tongue position. We screen for the patterns, mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, narrow palate, dark circles, at every pediatric visit. Early intervention with myofunctional therapy or orthodontic expansion can correct the trajectory before an appliance is needed.
Will my regular dentist see what you see?
Probably not in the same way. Most general dentists are not trained in airway-aware evaluation. Dentists with airway-aware training are taught to read the mouth as part of whole-body health, a different lens than the cavity-and-cleaning model.
Are you accepting new sleep-apnea patients?
Yes. New patients are welcome from Stephenville and across central Texas including Granbury, Glen Rose, Weatherford, Eastland, Comanche, Dublin, and Hico. Call (254) 965-2777 to schedule.

Sleep better. Breathe better.

A free consultation in our Stephenville office tells us, and shows you, whether your sleep concerns are connected to airway and bite. No pressure, no surprises.

4.8173+ Google reviews