Referral
Our Approach to Treating Sleep Apnea Involves Using an FDA-approved Oral Appliance, Tailored to the Unique Needs of Each Patient.
This device functions by gently moving the lower jaw forward during sleep, ensuring the airway remains open. It conveniently fits in the palm of your hand, operates without the need for electricity, wires, or tubes, and is easily portable, making it ideal for travel purposes.
Treatment:
- During your initial visit, we will schedule a screening and a home sleep test.
- The results of the home sleep test will be thoroughly reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician, who will provide a diagnosis and recommend suitable therapy.
- You will receive a custom-made oral appliance that perfectly suits your needs.
- Enjoy the convenience of easy follow-up maintenance once or twice a year to ensure continued comfort and success.
Oral Appliance Therapy is not suitable for every individual, making it essential to consult a qualified physician who will review the home sleep test results and make an accurate diagnosis. It’s important not to confuse OAT with a drugstore snoreguard, as the latter is not FDA cleared for OSA treatment. Attempting to treat OSA with an unapproved device without the supervision of a trained professional could worsen the condition, potentially leading to serious complications. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.
OSA is a medical condition, and its treatment is typically covered under medical insurance rather than dental insurance, despite being delivered by a dentist. As a courtesy, we will assist you in verifying and filing your claim with your medical insurance carrier. However, please note that the verification process provides an explanation of benefits based on the information received from your insurance carrier and does not guarantee payment. To confirm the specific benefits for Oral Appliance Therapy under your policy, we recommend contacting your insurance carrier directly.
Are You a Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment recommended for individuals with mild to moderate OSA and those who find CPAP intolerant or non-compliant. Our team of board-certified Sleep Physicians meticulously reviews the results from Home Sleep Testing and is readily available to consult with patients to discuss suitable treatment options.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Appliance Therapy
What is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?
Oral Appliance Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring that uses a custom-fitted dental device worn during sleep. The appliance gently repositions the lower jaw forward, which keeps the airway open and prevents the soft tissues in the throat from collapsing. It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, operates without electricity or hoses, and is easy to travel with. At F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics in Red Lion, PA, we provide custom Oral Appliance Therapy as a comfortable, effective alternative to CPAP.
How does an oral appliance work to treat sleep apnea?
An oral appliance works by gently advancing the lower jaw and tongue forward during sleep, which enlarges the airway and prevents the throat tissues from collapsing. This simple mechanical adjustment keeps the airway open throughout the night, allowing for normal breathing and uninterrupted sleep. Patients typically experience reduced snoring, fewer breathing pauses, and significantly improved sleep quality within the first few weeks of consistent use.
Who is a good candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy is most effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, chronic snoring, or those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. It's also an excellent option for patients who travel frequently, want a portable alternative to CPAP, or prefer a less intrusive treatment. A board-certified sleep physician will review your home sleep test results to determine whether OAT is the right fit for your specific case.
What does the Oral Appliance Therapy process look like?
The process at F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics begins with an initial screening visit, during which we schedule a convenient home sleep test. The results are reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician, who provides a diagnosis and recommends the most appropriate therapy. If you're a candidate for OAT, we'll take digital impressions of your teeth and create a custom-made appliance tailored to your unique anatomy. Follow-up visits once or twice a year ensure continued comfort and effectiveness.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy more comfortable than CPAP?
Many patients find Oral Appliance Therapy significantly more comfortable than CPAP. Unlike CPAP, which requires a mask, hose, and motor delivering pressurized air, an oral appliance is small, silent, and worn discreetly inside the mouth. There are no straps, no machine noise, and no need for electricity. Patients also report that compliance is much higher with oral appliances since they're easier to use consistently and far more travel-friendly.
Does medical insurance cover Oral Appliance Therapy?
Obstructive sleep apnea is classified as a medical condition, so Oral Appliance Therapy is typically covered under medical insurance rather than dental insurance, even though the appliance is provided by a dentist. As a courtesy, our team at F&S Orthodontics and Periodontics will help you verify your benefits and file your claim with your medical insurance carrier. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly for full clarification of your specific coverage and out-of-pocket responsibility.
How long does an oral appliance last and how do I take care of it?
A well-cared-for custom oral appliance typically lasts 3 to 5 years, sometimes longer with proper maintenance. Care is simple: rinse the appliance with cool water after each use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste, which can be too abrasive), and store it in its protective case when not in use. Avoid hot water, which can warp the device. Our Red Lion dental team will check the condition of your appliance during your follow-up visits to ensure it continues to fit and function properly.