Vivos treatment uses custom, FDA-cleared oral appliances to gradually develop the upper jaw and airway in adults with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, without surgery. At Kinard Family Dental in Helotes, TX, Dr. Sarah Kinard holds Diplomate credentials in Vivos therapy and dental sleep medicine. Compare it with standard oral appliance therapy or see our adult airway evaluation.
Schedule NowA standard oral appliance holds the lower jaw forward each night to keep the airway open. It manages the problem while you wear it. Vivos takes a different approach: its appliances apply gentle, sustained pressure designed to develop the upper jaw and widen the space for the tongue and airway over the course of treatment.
Vivos describes this as a biomimetic approach, meaning it works with the body's own capacity to remodel bone and tissue. The goal is a roomier airway structure rather than a nightly hold on the jaw alone.
Adults with snoring or a diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea
Patients who have struggled with CPAP and want a different option
Adults with a narrow upper jaw, crowded teeth or a scalloped tongue
People who clench or grind their teeth along with poor sleep
Not everyone is a candidate. A CBCT airway scan, a sleep study and a full dental exam show whether your airway structure suits Vivos treatment.
A review of your sleep, symptoms and health history.
A 3D image of your airway, jaws and nasal passages.
Arranged with a physician to confirm the diagnosis.
Made from a digital scan and worn on a schedule set for you, mainly in the evening and overnight.
Adjustments, progress checks and repeat testing to measure results.
Treatment length varies with your airway, your diagnosis and how your jaw responds. It is measured in months rather than weeks, with progress tracked at each visit. A realistic timeline can only be given after your evaluation.
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition, and no appliance should be described as a guaranteed or permanent cure. What Vivos treatment aims to do is improve the structure of the airway so breathing during sleep becomes easier. Results are confirmed with follow-up testing, and many patients continue with a maintenance plan afterward.
Many patients notice quieter sleep and more energy as treatment progresses, though changes happen gradually rather than overnight. Because the appliance works on the structure of the jaw, progress is measured with follow-up airway imaging and sleep testing, not just how you feel.
Results differ from person to person. Age, the severity of your sleep apnea and how consistently you wear the appliance all affect the outcome. Your progress is reviewed at every visit, and your plan is adjusted if the airway is not responding as expected.
Dr. Sarah Kinard is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and holds Diplomate-level credentials in Vivos therapy, achieved through examination and advanced training. She works alongside sleep physicians and ENT physicians so your care is coordinated.
Learn more about Dr. Kinard, or read our article on Vivos as an alternative to CPAP.
Kinard Family Dental is at 12740 Bandera Road, Suite 100, Helotes, TX 78023, and welcomes families from San Antonio, Boerne and Leon Valley. Call (210) 695-1200 or request an appointment. Children with similar symptoms can be evaluated for Vivos treatment for kids.
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Yes. Vivos oral appliances have FDA clearance for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Whether they suit you depends on your diagnosis and airway evaluation.
Most Vivos appliances are worn in the evening and overnight, not all day. Your wear schedule is set at your fitting and reviewed at follow-up visits.
Most patients feel gentle pressure, especially after adjustments, rather than pain. Mild tooth or jaw tenderness usually settles within a few days.
Do not stop CPAP without your physician's guidance. Changes to CPAP use are made based on follow-up sleep testing during treatment.
Invisalign straightens teeth for appearance and bite. Vivos is designed to develop the jaw and airway to improve breathing during sleep. Some patients benefit from both at different stages.
Coverage varies. Some medical plans contribute to treatment for diagnosed sleep apnea. Our team can help you review your benefits before treatment starts.
