Featured Testimonial
“Below is my review of the sleep apnea mouthguard experience:
After receiving the results of a sleep study and realizing I had mild to moderate sleep apnea with a low oxygen level of 83%, I knew I had to do something to improve my health! However, I also knew I would not be able to use a CPAP machine! Not only was I imagining the cumbersome mask and restrictive tubing, but also as an avid camper, I could not imagine lugging around such an apparatus and the power pack it would need to run off-grid! When a mouth guard was suggested, I was more than happy to try it. I was recommended to see Dr. Schumacher at Dental Hills Dental Care, which was already my dental provider so that made setting the appointment easy!
After my first appointment and some hi-tech imaging, my mouthguard was sent off to be made. In the meantime, Dr. Schumacher recommended using a snore recording app on my phone to listen to what I sounded like when I snored and to monitor my progress once I started wearing the appliance. After the first recording, I was shocked to hear myself snoring, gasping, and choking trying to breathe throughout the night! Once I received the mouthguard, it took a few visits to Dr. Schumacher to get the correct fit and tension, but once that was customized to my mouth & teeth, my “snore score” began to drop drastically! Over the past 6 months, it has gone from a score of above 50 down to single digits – mostly under 5!! And best of all – my oxygen levels at night have been shown to not go below 90%!
I definitely feel better each morning now that I am not struggling to breathe each night. I am no longer groggy and depressed-feeling when I wake up but instead have clarity, more energy and a brighter outlook on the day! For a few weeks, when my appliance had to go back to the lab, I experienced that old groggy, tired and disgruntled feeling waking up and realized then how much of a difference wearing the mouth guard makes in my ability to get a good night’s sleep.
The mouth guard is very easy to wear. At first I was worried about getting my jaw out of line, but there is a small “exerciser” that I bite on after the mouth guard has been out for 15 minutes and that ensures that my bite goes back to normal within just a few minutes. Also I have not had any residual or immediate pain in my jaws or headaches from the mouth guard pulling my jaw slightly forward while I sleep.
The whole experience has been a very positive one and has definitely improved my sleep and overall health! Dr. Schumacher and his staff have taken great care to ensure the best fit for my mouth guard and have taken me step by step through the process. I would recommend to anyone considering using a CPAP machine to first try wearing a mouth guard at night to see if this easier & simpler remedy will work for them. And I would definitely recommend Dr Schumacher at Dental Hills as the best provider for this sleep apnea solution!”
Lisa J.
“I was referred to Dr. Schumacher by my primary care physician; after I did a sleep study. Dr Schumacher works with oral appliance therapy. I was measured and fitted with an appliance that fits in my mouth over my top and bottom teeth. I was shown how it works and what I need to do to take care of it. It is really very simple! Put it in your mouth at bedtime; take it out when you get up. But it was just a bit cumbersome getting used to it at first. I have been using this appliance around seven months. I can definitely say I am getting a better night’s rest, not waking with a headache, not in a fog, and tired all day. My grandkids even complimented me on my quiet snoring! I am very pleased with the results!”
Barbara W.

“I have been wearing a sleep apnea/snore guard appliance since May 2017. Not only do I sleep more soundly but wake up feeling more refreshed, alert and energized. It has completely eliminated any snoring. I was able to put it in and wear it all night the first night I tried it. If anyone is hesitant to try one, don’t be! You will be glad you did and so will your spouse.”
K. Baysinger
“I’ve always felt as though I’m getting the best care available with Dr. Schumacher and his team of professionals. They are timely and efficient as well which makes for a great experience.”
Rebecca C.

“Before I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, I was waking multiple times per night, and yawning my way through my days. Dr. Schumacher designed an appliance for me that I wear at night like a retainer. I didn’t realize how much better I could feel—rested, clear, and calm. So many thanks to Dr. Schumacher and his wonderful staff, for their personalized care and great follow-up!“
P. Wagner
“Always polite and friendly! They take care of their patients, and their work is top quality!”
John F.
“I love Desert Hills Dental Care. Dr. Schumacher is very good and thorough. He explains everything so well. All of the staff is so pleasant and nice.”
Tamara N.
“This office can’t be beat. Every time I walk in they make me feel like family. The Drs, hygienists, and front staff are the best. Farmington is super lucky to have Desert Hills be a part of the community.”
Bob S.