One of the alternative treatments for patients who suffer from sleep apnea is the utilization of oral appliances.  We use such an appliance to set the position of the jaw and/or the tongue to maximize the airway dimensions while the patient is sleeping.  Our technology and protocols allow us to determine, in advance, the type of appliance best suited for a particular patient.

Oral Appliances have an eighty percent compliance rate, per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine literature.  With the specialized care and attention we provide all of our sleep apnea patients, our office does even better.  Many of our patients have failed their CPAP and are currently using their oral appliances nightly.

Most PPOs and Medicare do cover oral appliances.   Our office is a Medicare DME provider and works closely with a highly qualified medical biller for all of our insurance claims.

The best patients for oral appliance therapy have either mild or moderate OSA, or have failed their CPAP machine and are seeking alternative therapies.  Oral appliances are also well suited for patients who have had surgeries, like the Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), that have not worked.

Patients typically experience minimal side effects from oral appliance use, most subside with time.  The three most commonly experienced side effects are excessive salivation, tightness in the masticatory muscles and transient bite discrepancy.  With a proper morning protocol, all three are manageable and would not cause any long term problems. Bite changes are possible with oral appliance therapy, but permanent changes are very rare. Most changes are minor in nature and of little concern to the patient.

Dr Chobor DDS