Understanding oral appliance therapy and dental approaches to treating sleep apnea.
Dental sleep medicine focuses on the use of oral appliances to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. These custom-fitted devices are worn during sleep and work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, portable alternative to CPAP machines.
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are the most common type of oral appliance. They gently advance the lower jaw forward, which opens the airway and reduces or eliminates snoring and apnea events.
Most medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea. Medicare and many Medicaid programs also provide coverage.
Yes, a sleep study (polysomnography or home sleep test) is typically required to diagnose sleep apnea before oral appliance therapy can be prescribed.
Most patients adapt to wearing their oral appliance within 1-2 weeks. Your provider will make adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Locate a dental professional trained in oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea.
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