Your Sleep Apnea Treatment
Once you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a sleep physician, we perform a comprehensive evaluation. We look at your teeth/gums, TMJ and airway, and take panoramic film, Cephalogram and TMJ/tomo x-rays.
A custom FDA-approved oral appliance is fabricated, inserted, and fitted. We can also customize combination therapy with C-PAP. Follow up visits and a follow up sleep study are scheduled to determine the efficacy of the appliance. Long term follow up visits with your treatment physician and Dr. Stern.
What is an Oral Appliance?
A mouth piece made of acrylic opens the airway by altering the position of the lower jaw and keeps the tongue from falling back while sleeping, and keeps the airway open. It is very easy to use and comfortable, allowing the patient to sleep in any position. It is also very easy to carry when traveling.
Oral appliances treat obstructive sleep apnea by keeping the airway open in one of three ways:
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Guiding the lower jaw forward (a mandibular advancement device or MAD),
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Preventing the tongue from falling back over the airway,
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or by combining both mechanisms.
The most common type of oral appliance, a MAD is often adjustable so that the dentist can move the jaw further or reduce the advancement as necessary. Apnea appliance therapy helps many people who have trouble tolerating traditional CPAP therapy.
Who Should Use an Oral Appliance to Treat Sleep Apnea?
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Patients who cannot or choose not to use C-Pap Therapy
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Patients who are not good candidates for surgery
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Patients who are traveling
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Patients who snore
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Patients who need additional therapy with C-Pap for improved results
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Patients who want to be discreet about their treatment.
Will my insurance pay for my oral appliance or orthotic?
Treatment is often a benefit under most major-medical insurance. Oral Appliance Therapy (Sleep & TMJ) is a covered benefit under most major-medical insurances (depending on your individual contract with your insurance provider). Our office staff with personally work with our patients to maximize all of your medical benefits and to submit claims to your insurance.
We also offer affordable financing plans to patients such as no interest payment plans.