Oral Appliance Therapy
the gold standard for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
Getting tested: Options are “an at home sleep test. Small monitor you wear in the comfort of your home” or if better suits you a sleep lab/clinic. Our preferred sleep testing method is in the comfort of your home, your bed.
Oral appliance therapy for the treatment of sleep apnea continues to increase in popularity as awareness grows amongst the public that oral appliances are an effective treatment for many sleep apnea sufferers. There are many oral appliances that are FDA approved for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These appliances are worn in the mouth, just like a sports mouth guard or an orthodontic appliance, while you sleep. Oral appliances hold the lower jaw forward just enough to keep the airway open and prevent the tongue and muscles in the upper airway from collapsing and blocking the airway.
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“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) as a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA. The AASM also recommends oral appliances for patients with severe OSA, who are unable to tolerate or cannot wear Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices. Another option for people with severe OSA is Combination Therapy (wearing CPAP and an oral appliance together) to help reduce the pressure on a CPAP machine, making it more comfortable to use.”
An oral appliance is the gold standard for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and for those patients that have severe sleep apnea and cannot tolerate CPAP therapy because of claustrophobia or the restrictive nature of the CPAP mask. The appliance fits in your mouth much like a mouth guard or retainer. This will prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of your throat. The appliance provides adjustable levels of lower jaw advancement, improving the comfort and effectiveness of treatment.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy a Medical Service?
Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified oral appliances as Class II medical devices, and many insurances include coverage for this therapy under their medical plans. Also, the criteria developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) define obstructive sleep apnea as a medical condition that can be treated by dental professionals who have advanced training in dental sleep medicine. Patients are treated with an oral appliance after a sleep study establishes a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.
What are the indications for Oral Appliance Therapy?
An oral appliance may be recommended to treat snoring, or as an option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It may be an effective alternative for patients who cannot use CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressured) equipment.
Will the Oral Appliance be covered by my medical Insurance?
Yes, most Medical Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea are covered by Medical Insurance.
At Home Sleep Solutions, LLC will contact your medical insurance and we will inform you of the coverage.
We will make every effort to see that your insurance will provide you with the appropriate treatment.
Remember…. Oral appliances can make a huge difference in your life.
Contact Dr. Doblin’s office today for more information.
