One alternative sleep apnea treatment for patients is the utilization of oral appliances. We use such an appliance to set the position of the jaw and/or the tongue to maximize the airway dimensions while the patient is sleeping. Our technology and protocols allow us to determine, in advance, the type of appliance best suited for a particular patient.
Oral Appliances have an eighty percent compliance rate, per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine literature. With the specialized care and attention we provide all of our sleep apnea patients, our office does even better. Many of our patients have failed their CPAP and are currently using their oral appliances nightly.
Most PPOs and Medicare do help cover oral appliances. Our office works closely with a highly
qualified medical biller for all of our insurance claims.
Patients typically experience minimal side effects from oral appliance use, most subside with time. The three most commonly experienced side effects of sleep apnea treatment are excessive salivation, tightness in the masticatory muscles, and transient bite discrepancy. With a proper morning protocol, all three are manageable and would not cause any long term problems. Bite changes are possible with oral appliance therapy, but permanent changes are very rare. Most changes are minor in nature and of little concern to the patient.