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My husband snores. Where can I find an oral appliance?
Are oral appliances effective?
How does the appliance work to help manage snoring/sleep apnea?
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. How do I know if I have mild, moderate or severe apnea?
What's the difference between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea?
How long do these appliances last?
Does my insurance cover appliance treatment?
What is the price range for oral appliances?
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My husband snores. Where can I find an oral appliance?
Oral appliance therapy to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea should be provided by a license dentist with
specialty training to help with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring problems.
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Are oral appliances effective?
Snoring 85% and OSA 65-70% depending on severity.
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How does the appliance work to help manage snoring/sleep apnea?
An oral appliance is a small plastic device that fits over the upper and lower teeth, similar to an orthodontic
retainer or mouth guard. The appliance is worn in the mouth during sleep to prevent the soft tissues of the throat
from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Oral appliances work by slightly advancing the lower jaw which in turn
moves the base of the tongue forward and opens the airway to allow improved breathing and reduced snoring and
apneas during sleep.
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I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. How do I know if I have mild, moderate or severe apnea?
The only way to diagnose sleep apnea is with an overnight sleep study with a qualified sleep physician. Depending
on the physician's preference, this study can be performed in the hospital or at home. It will objectively measure
many parameters throughout the night that will aid the physician in determining the severity of the problem. Some
of the important measurements include: how often breathing is interrupted; the quality of sleep; the oxygen level
in the blood; the heart rate; and excessive bodily movements. The severity of the sleep apnea is determined by the
assessment of these parameters and should be thoroughly discussed with you by your physician. Properly trained
dentists work closely with physicians and understand the details of the sleep study and how they affect the
therapy.
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What's the difference between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea?
The term Sleep disordered Breathing describes a number of sleep breathing disorders that includes snoring, upper
airway resistance syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Disordered Breathing is viewed as a continuum where
simple snoring represents a mild disorder during which breathing during sleep is very loud due to the near collapse
of the upper airway. When the snoring becomes worse due to further airway collapse (to the point where sleep is
interrupted) the term upper airway resistance syndrome is used. Most serious, is the complete collapse of the
airway that is termed obstructive sleep apnea. During an apnea, breathing cannot occur and the sleeper is forced
to awaken to resume normal breathing.
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How long do these appliances last?
We usually tell our patients that appliances last 2-5 years, but many will last much longer than 5 years.
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Does my insurance cover appliance treatment?
Most medical insurance companies have coverage for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with an oral appliance.
Insurance companies generally do not cover treatment for snoring only. If coverage is available for oral
appliances, it would come from the medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover
treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Insurance companies will only pay for treatment after a diagnosis of a
sleeping disorder is made from a physician. We encourage you to call and check with your medical insurance
company. We will be happy to send information to your insurance company regarding your situation to request a
pre-authorization.
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What is the price range for oral appliances?
There are presently over 40 different oral appliances available. Fees differ according to the cost of the appliance
itself along with the time and skill necessary to achieve a long-term therapeutic end result. Patients are
cautioned to understand that effective therapy rendered by a properly trained dentist using a durable, adjustable
appliance will not fall into the inexpensive end of the fee scale. The price range for full treatment plan from
beginning to end including the oral appliance is $2,450 - $2,600. For a complete protocol and treatment plan
please contact this office.
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