oral appliance therapy
Thomas M. Cleary, Sr., DMD
350 main street, easthampton, MA 01027Do I have to have a sleep test done by a physician before I can get an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
In general, yes. A diagnosis of sleep apnea needs to be made by a physician.
Do I have to try a CPAP before getting an oral appliance?
No.
Does an oral appliance work with all cases of sleep apnea?
No. The results are comparable to those of a CPAP for mild to moderate cases. The oral appliance should be used for severe cases of sleep apnea only if the CPAP cannot be tolerated.
How much does an oral appliance to treat sleep apnea cost? Is it covered by insurance?
The cost ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the type of appliance required and the length of time needed for treatment. In most cases insurance will cover at least a portion of the cost.
How many visits does it take to make an oral appliance?
A minimum of three visits is required. Most cases are completed in five visits.
What will the oral appliance feel like in my mouth?
At first it will feel bulky, but it will soon become more comfortable.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Before any oral appliance treatment can begin a physician must perform or supervise a sleep test (polysomnogram) and provide a diagnosis.
What is a sleep test and where do I get one?
A sleep test is an overnight evaluation done in a sleep laboratory by a physician; alternatively, the test may be done using a home monitor provided by your physician or dentist.