15 Aug What’s the Cost of Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?
At TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama, we are an experienced dental sleep medicine practice led by board-certified dentist Dr. Amy Hartsfield, DMD. Our team provides effective oral appliance therapy (OAT) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA, commonly known as sleep apnea).
Previously, we’ve explored insurance options for covering the cost of oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. Still, you might have questions about the cost of this treatment. Let’s look at the cost of oral appliances for sleep apnea.
The Cost Of Oral Appliance Therapy For Sleep Apnea
There is no specific price for oral appliance therapy; the cost of this treatment primarily depends on two factors: (1) the specific clinic you go to and (2) the type of OAT you’re getting.
Our OAT Pricing
Our office’s total out-of-pocket cost of an oral appliance for sleep apnea treatment is ~$3550. This includes the initial consultation, exam, CBCD scan, device, and 4 months of follow-up appointments. While this is more than CPAP upfront, it is much less expensive over time, given the maintenance needs and upkeep of CPAP machines.
Types of OAT We Offer
The cost of an oral appliance for sleep apnea will also depend on which type you’re getting—there are many models to choose from to better serve the patient’s particular needs. Here are the basics of OAT:
- Sleep apnea is an airway obstruction or blockage of the throat that patients experience while lying in bed, fully relaxed. Although some apnea can still occur while the patient is awake and aware, symptoms are more likely to present in sleep—that’s why many people do not realize the extent of their sleep apnea or that they even have it at all until they get a sleep study.
- Unlike CPAPs, which force the airway open with compressed air, oral appliances for sleep apnea prevent airway obstruction by repositioning one or more structures in the mouth.
- Oral appliances do not involve any sort of machine, electronics, complex parts, loud noises, face-covering masks, or constant maintenance needs. They look and feel very similar to a clear orthodontic retainer or mouthguard and are removable, only needing to be worn to bed each night.
- Not every oral appliance is BPA-free, non-toxic, and made from biocompatible medical-grade material. However, one of our most frequently used OSA therapies offers this kind of oral appliance, which we routinely use at TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama. This oral appliance has been tested to show that it does not harbor bacteria or cause teeth shifting compared to other dental sleep devices.
How to Start Oral Appliance Therapy
If you’re interested in oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea as an alternative to CPAP, our TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama team is ready to help you explore our comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options and get you back on track with healthy, restful sleep.
Call us today at (205) 874-9699 or contact us online to easily set up your first appointment. When you get in touch, don’t hesitate to ask our friendly staff members any questions you might have about insurance coverage, costs, treatment, and more.
Thanks for reading! Learn more about oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea on our blog.