Evaluation:
You will undergo a sleep consultation to determine if you are a potential candidate for an oral appliance. If our evaluation indicates that you may have airway-related issues, we will refer you for a sleep study to gather more information.
Sleep Test:
If you have not undergone a home sleep study (HST) within the past 2-3 years, we can arrange for you to have one. Our team of board-certified sleep physicians will provide you with a small device to wear overnight in the comfort of your own home. Once the sleep study is complete, the interpreted results will be sent to us, and we will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Diagnosis:
Upon receiving the interpreted results of your sleep study, our sleep physician will provide us with a summary of the findings. We will carefully review the results and determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific needs.
Treatment:
Based on the severity of your sleep apnea and utilizing the latest technology available, we will present you with several treatment options. For individuals with moderate to severe cases of OSA, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is often the most effective treatment solution. Alternatively, for those with mild to moderate OSA and snoring issues, an Oral Appliance can also be highly effective. Rest assured, we will create a customized oral appliance for you using the latest technology.
Oral Appliance
Introducing Oral Appliance Therapy: Enhance Your Sleep and Well-being
Oral appliance therapy offers a highly effective treatment solution for individuals dealing with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). By utilizing a custom-fit oral sleep appliance, you can enjoy improved sleep, heightened alertness, and enhanced overall health. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you embark on this transformative treatment journey.
Understanding Oral Appliance Therapy: Designed to be worn exclusively during sleep, an oral appliance resembles a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer. It works by supporting the jaw in a forward position, thereby promoting an open upper airway. Extensive research confirms the effectiveness of oral appliance therapy in addressing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Getting Started with Oral Appliance Therapy: If you and your doctor determine that oral appliance therapy is the optimal treatment for you, your doctor will provide a prescription for a custom-made oral appliance. Additionally, you will receive a referral to a qualified dentist experienced in offering oral appliance therapy. With over 100 FDA-cleared oral appliances available, your dentist will recommend the one that suits you best. It’s worth noting that many medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy.
The Benefits of Oral Appliances:
- Enhanced Sleep: Oral appliances promote better sleep quality, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Increased Alertness: By effectively addressing snoring and sleep apnea, oral appliances restore daytime alertness, enabling you to stay focused and energized throughout the day.
- Improved Health: Oral appliance therapy contributes to overall well-being by reducing the health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea, such as cardiovascular problems and daytime fatigue.
- Don’t let snoring or sleep apnea hinder your quality of life. Discover the incredible benefits of oral appliance therapy and take the first step towards enjoying restful nights and revitalized days.
How a Dentist Can Help
Dentists and physicians work together to treat snoring and sleep apnea. During your visit, we will discuss the benefits of treatment, potential side effects, and costs. A thorough clinical evaluation will be conducted, including an examination of your teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway, and possibly a new mouth X-ray. Our collaborative approach ensures personalized care to address your needs.
Customized Oral Appliances for Your Comfort
To create your oral appliance, precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken. These impressions or scans are then sent to a dental lab, where the appliance is meticulously crafted to fit your unique dental structure.
Once your custom oral appliance is ready, you will visit your dentist for a fitting. During this appointment, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness. They will also provide you with instructions on cleaning and maintaining your oral appliance to ensure its longevity.
With a personalized oral appliance, you can enjoy improved comfort during sleep and experience the full benefits of this treatment option.
Follow-Up Visits for Optimal Oral Appliance Performance
Regular follow-up visits with your dentist are essential to ensure the effectiveness of your oral appliance. These visits allow for necessary adjustments and fine-tuning to achieve the best fit and maximum comfort.
In some cases, your sleep doctor may recommend a sleep study after the fitting to verify the success of the treatment. This evaluation helps assess how well the oral appliance improves your sleep quality and addresses your specific needs.
Since each oral appliance is customized to your unique requirements, periodic adjustments may be needed over time. Dr. Suarez, your dentist, will schedule an annual assessment to monitor your progress and make any necessary modifications for continued success.
By actively participating in these routine visits and maintaining open communication with your dental and sleep care team, you can ensure the long-term effectiveness of your treatment and enjoy the optimal performance of your oral appliance.
Embrace a Transformed Life with Oral Appliance Therapy
Discover the power of oral appliance therapy in treating snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, and experience a renewed sense of well-being. By committing to your treatment and using it consistently, you’ll witness remarkable improvements in your symptoms and overall quality of life. Prepare to enjoy restful sleep, heightened energy levels, and enhanced mental clarity throughout the day. Plus, you may even notice that your bed partner benefits from improved sleep as well!
Treating sleep apnea goes beyond symptom relief—it promotes a healthier heart, body, and mind. With the guidance of your dentist, you can unlock the key to better sleep and improved overall health. Embrace this transformative journey and unlock a better life filled with vitality and well-being!