11 Oct What Is Oral Appliance Therapy & How Do I Pay for It?
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, you may have been told that a CPAP is the only solution. However, oral appliance therapy is another effective treatment option. Keep reading to learn more about what it is and how to pay for it.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment option for people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and/or disruptive snoring. Similar to an orthodontic retainer, an oral appliance is custom-made and worn to keep your airway open and support your jaw in a forward position.
A qualified dentist, preferably someone board-certified in dental sleep medicine, will take an impression of your mouth to have your oral appliance custom-made just for you. They’ll provide ongoing treatment to ensure your device remains comfortable, while effectively treating your sleep disorder.
Am I a Candidate for an Oral Appliance?
If you’ve been diagnosed with some form of sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance. It’s important to speak with your physician about your options. Patients with an intolerance to their CPAP machine or affected by the CPAP recall have benefitted from oral appliance therapy!
What Are the Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy?
If you’ve ever had to use a CPAP, you know how cumbersome and inconvenient they can be. Oral appliance therapy is one device with no hose, mask, or motor making; it’s comfortable, portable, easy to care for, and quiet. Its non-invasive nature also makes it appealing to those unable to undergo surgery.
How Do You Pay for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Cost is an important factor for many when it comes to considering treatment options. Oral appliance therapy is comparable to a CPAP in cost, although the upfront cost can seem higher. Since oral appliance therapy is a dental solution to a medical diagnosis it falls under medical insurance, not dental. Most insurance companies cover oral appliance therapy depending on the policy and if the patient’s deductibles have been met.
Get a Better Night’s Sleep
Schedule a consultation with TMJ & Sleep Solutions to see how we can help you get a better night’s sleep with oral appliance therapy. In the meantime, check out our blog to find out more about the importance of getting great rest and how it can affect your overall health.