FAQ

We will conduct an oral exam, and review your sleep study with you to determine whether an oral appliance would be beneficial. We offer several treatment options to suit each individual’s needs.

Yes, We are able to fabricate appliances that allow patients to have freedom of movement and tongue space to lower the chances of gagging or causing an anxiety episode.

Oral appliances are very effective in treating patients with snoring, and can usually eliminate most if not all snoring.

No.  Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition and its treatments are covered under your medical insurance policy.

It depends on the type of insurance you have and policy deductibles. Oral appliances are covered under most medical insurance plans for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA). In some cases there is little to no out of pocket expense for you. In order to receive benefits under your plan, you must first be diagnosed with OSA by a Sleep physician. If the physician feels you are a candidate for oral appliance therapy, your doctor will make the referral for the fabrication of an oral appliance. We will work closely with your physician to ensure that you receive the appliance that best suits your needs and treats your OSA effectively.

Yes, Oral appliance therapy is covered by Medicare. If you have a Medicare supplement policy, you may not have any out of pocket expense.

Yes. The purpose of the sleep study is to determine the presence and cause of your sleep disturbances, also to identify any neurological problems that may be present. Most insurance companies require a sleep study to be completed prior to providing coverage for an oral appliance. Depending on physician recommendation, home sleep testing is possible.

The total cost of treatment will depend on the course of treatment, whether or not you have insurance, and what type of insurance coverage you have.  Each patient’s situation is unique and will require a treatment plan specifically tailored for their needs.  Each Appliance is custom made to fit each patient to exacting specifications.  There is no “one size fits all” with oral appliance therapy.

Each patient is unique and requires customized treatment plan tailored to their needs. Average time from consult to follow up sleep study with oral appliance is usually 3-4months.

Yes.  If your dentures have good retention, the oral appliance can be made to fit them directly. If your dentures are older and may be loose then the appliance can be made to duplicate the dentures or implants could be placed to hold the appliance in place.

A provisional appliance can be fabricated prior to the dental treatment being completed. This will allow you to have the oral appliance during the period of time you are completing your dental work.

There is a fee for the provisional appliance of $400-500 and can be fabricated in one office visit.

You may also choose to wait until your immediate dental needs are addressed, but you would need to continue with your CPAP until an appliance can be fabricated.

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the causes of acid reflux.  Successful treatment of OSA can help reduce the need for medication. Please discuss this with your GI physician prior to changing any medication regimen.

Oral appliances are very effective at treating patients with snoring, and can usually eliminate it completely.

The most common side effects are excess salivary flow for the first few weeks. This will subside with time.  Discomfort or pain in the jaw muscles, joints can occur but usually ease off after a few days of wearing the appliance.  Any discomfort. that lasts more the 30-45mins after removing the appliance should be reported to our office.

Bite changes, teeth movements are not common but can occur if morning exercises and the morning aligner are not used every day.

You are encouraged to return to our office on a six-month basis for the first year and then yearly after that to make certain your appliance is working properly and is in good condition. We will work with your family dentist and keep them informed of your progress with your OSA treatment.

Most insurance companies allow for appliance replacement every 3-5yrs. The life expectancy for each appliance varies depending on the type of material used in its construction and how the patient maintains and wears the appliance. If the patient clinches/grinds their teeth at night the appliance will wear faster and will have a shorter life expectancy.