Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
A sleep apnea oral appliance is a custom-fitted dental device worn at night that repositions the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open and treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Definition
A sleep apnea oral appliance is a custom-fitted dental device worn at night that repositions the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open and treat obstructive sleep apnea.
In-Depth
What You Need to Know
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective alternative to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP. The custom-made device, called a mandibular advancement device (MAD), gently shifts the lower jaw and tongue forward, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep. Treatment requires a sleep study diagnosis (usually a home sleep test or in-lab polysomnography) and a prescription from a physician. The dentist takes impressions or digital scans to fabricate the appliance, then adjusts it over several visits using a titration protocol. Medical insurance (not dental) typically covers oral appliance therapy for documented sleep apnea.
Calls & Questions
What Patients Ask
Common phone questions about sleep apnea oral appliance — and how Front Desk handles scheduling and call routing automatically.
Common Patient Questions
- 1Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
- 2Is an oral appliance as good as CPAP?
- 3Does insurance cover a sleep apnea device?
- 4How long does it take to get used to the appliance?
How Front Desk Helps Your Practice
Front Desk explains that the practice offers sleep apnea appliances, notes that a sleep study diagnosis is required, clarifies that medical insurance typically covers it, and schedules consultations.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about sleep apnea oral appliance.
A sleep apnea oral appliance is a custom-fitted dental device worn at night that repositions the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open and treat obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective alternative to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP. The custom-made device, called a mandibular advancement device (MAD), gently shifts the lower jaw and tongue forward, preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep.
Your dental provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk explains that the practice offers sleep apnea appliances, notes that a sleep study diagnosis is required, clarifies that medical insurance typically covers it, and schedules consultations.
Your dental provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk explains that the practice offers sleep apnea appliances, notes that a sleep study diagnosis is required, clarifies that medical insurance typically covers it, and schedules consultations.
Your dental provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk explains that the practice offers sleep apnea appliances, notes that a sleep study diagnosis is required, clarifies that medical insurance typically covers it, and schedules consultations.
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