Sleep Apnea Treatment in Cary, NC

A Comfortable 
Alternative to CPAP

  • Custom oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea
  • Collaborative care with trusted sleep specialists
  • Practicing since 1992 with advanced sleep training

Why Choose Dr. Kearney 
for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Cary

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Collaborative Care

A Collaborative Approach to Sleep Care

Sleep apnea diagnosis requires a sleep specialist, and Dr. Jeffrey Kearney works closely with trusted sleep physicians to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis before any treatment begins. His role is to screen for the dental and structural signs of sleep apnea, refer you to the right specialist if needed, and then provide treatment once your diagnosis is confirmed. This collaborative model ensures that every step of your care is handled by the right provider.

Every step of your care is handled by the right provider.

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Dental Screening

Dental Screening That 
Connects to Sleep Symptoms

As a dentist with advanced training in craniofacial pain and sleep-related breathing disorders, Dr. Kearney can identify structural indicators that may point to obstructive sleep apnea. By assessing your jaw position, bite alignment, and wear patterns, he translates dental findings into a tighter referral and treatment plan. Even if you come to him before getting a sleep study, he can help guide you through the process.

Dental expertise that catches what a general screening might miss.

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Your Treatment

Custom Oral Appliance Therapy 
as a CPAP Alternative

For patients with obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Kearney offers custom oral appliance therapy designed to gently shift your jaw forward and keep your upper airway open while you sleep. Each appliance is fabricated using impressions and digital bite records for a precise, comfortable fit. For many patients, oral appliance therapy can be as effective as CPAP and more cost-effective over time.

No masks, no hoses, no machines. Just a comfortable appliance you wear at night.

Specialized Sleep Apnea Care From Dr. Kearney

Dr. Kearney brings focused training and decades of experience to every sleep apnea case at his Cary, NC, practice:

Credentials & Approach

✓ Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (FAACP)

✓ Practicing in Cary since 1992 with extensive study in sleep-related breathing disorders

✓ Uses iTero™ scanning, rhinometry, and pharyngometry to assess airway anatomy

✓ Works within a collaborative care model alongside sleep physicians for diagnosis

✓ Treats obstructive sleep apnea with custom oral appliances, not CPAP

His approach starts with a thorough dental screening. If he identifies structural signs consistent with sleep apnea, he can connect you with a trusted sleep specialist for a formal diagnosis. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Kearney designs a treatment plan focused on long-term relief.

Dr. Kearney and his affiliations

★★★★★ Google Review

“Dr Kearney is the best Dentist I have ever seen. He is very patient, kind, gentle and extremely thorough. He explains everything in great detail so you do not have to guess what kind of treatment you need or should proceed with. He takes the worry anxiety and dread of going to the dentist a much more pleasant experience. I would highly recommend him for not only all your dental needs but also TMJ disorder treatment/therapy and sleep treatment/oral appliance therapy. You will not be disappointed with your care.”

— Tammy, 5-Star Review

How an Oral Appliance Can Help With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Wearing an oral appliance to treat sleep apnea is similar to wearing a retainer at night. By repositioning your jaw, the appliance opens your airway and allows you to breathe easier while you sleep. Depending on the degree of your symptoms, an oral appliance can be just as effective as CPAP for many patients, and it can also be more cost-effective in the long term. There are no masks, no hoses, and no machines to adjust to, making it a practical solution for patients who want effective treatment without the inconvenience of CPAP.

Your Path to Better Sleep

Dr. Kearney can guide you through every stage of the sleep apnea care process, whether you are just beginning to explore your symptoms or you already have a diagnosis in hand.

Recognize the Signs

Loud snoring, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, and dry mouth upon waking are common indicators of obstructive sleep apnea. If you or a loved one has noticed these symptoms, it may be time to schedule a screening.

Schedule a Dental Screening

During your visit to our Cary office, Dr. Kearney will assess your jaw position, bite alignment, and airway anatomy using tools like the iTero scanner, rhinometer, and pharyngometer. These findings help determine whether your symptoms may be related to obstructive sleep apnea and inform the next step.

Complete a Sleep Study

Under North Carolina state law, a sleep apnea diagnosis must come from a sleep specialist. Dr. Kearney can connect you with a trusted sleep physician who will arrange a sleep study to monitor your breathing, brain activity, oxygen levels, and how many times you wake during the night. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Kearney can begin treatment.

Begin Your Treatment

Based on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition, Dr. Kearney will design a treatment plan tailored to your needs. For most patients with obstructive sleep apnea, this centers on a custom oral appliance fabricated from precise digital impressions of your bite.

"I've been seeing Dr. Kearney for over 20 years. My whole family sees him now.  Great staff as well!" 

— Melanie, 5-Star Review

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Reduced Health Risks

Sleep apnea has been linked to an elevated risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Treatment can reduce these health risks by opening up your airway and improving the quality of your sleep. 

Quieter Nights

If you sleep with a partner or in a home with multiple people, your loud snoring could keep someone else from sleeping. Treating your sleep apnea can greatly reduce your snoring, allowing your loved ones to sleep peacefully. 

Better Mental Health

Studies show that uninterrupted sleep can improve your concentration, energy levels, and mood throughout the day. Feeling less irritable and more attentive can make social situations easier and work much smoother. 

Factors That Contribute 
to Sleep Apnea
 

Sex

Men are more likely than women to develop obstructive sleep apnea.

Weight

Excess fat tissue around your neck and airway can further obstruct breathing.

Smoking

Tobacco products can cause tissue inflammation and increase your risk of sleep apnea.

Age

People who are 40 and older are more likely to develop sleep apnea.

Genetics

If your family members have sleep apnea, there is a higher possibility you may also develop it.

 


 

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Dr. Jeffrey Kearney

Jeffrey S. Kearney, DDS

Dr. Kearney specializes in comfortable, comprehensive dental services at his modern and inviting family practice in Cary, NC. He is trained to surgically place and restore dental implants and also offers the latest treatments to treat TMJ issues, sleep apnea, and orthodontic problems. Prestigious affiliations include:

  • American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
  • Academy of General Dentistry

Whether you are new to the Cary, NC, area or are a lifelong resident looking for a caring, highly trained dental professional, our team would love to meet you. Contact us online or call (919) 859-4778 to request an appointment.

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