Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral Appliance Therapy:

No Mask CPAP Alternative for Treatment of SLEEP APNEA

Many people hold off on seeking treatment for their sleep apnea because they do not want to wear a CPAP. Others try CPAP, but can’t tolerate it. Stopping or not seeking therapy for sleep apnea is dangerous. One study estimates 30-50 percent of CPAP users don’t like the treatment; another survey discovered that about half of patients stop using the device within 1-3 weeks of it being prescribed. Well, we have a CPAP alternative treatment option for you – Oral Appliance Therapy; the no mask CPAP alternative for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring.

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

An oral appliance or mandibular advancement device is similar in appearance to a mouth guard or retainer and is worn during sleep. The appliance is custom made by a dentist trained in sleep medicine. It works by moving and holding the lower jaw slightly forward. The main purpose of the oral appliance is to keep the airway open during sleep, thereby preventing it from collapsing and blocking the normal flow of air during breathing.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

  •  No mask/machine needed
  • Comfortable & easy to wear
  • Easy to clean, disinfect & care for
  • Discreet & silent
  • Convenient for travel/portable
  • No electricity needed
  • Allows for talking and drinking
  • Great alternative to CPAP therapy
  • Significantly improves sleep apnea symptoms
  • Fewer issues for patients suffering from claustrophobia
  • Immediate response—most patients see improvement in the first few nights

Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?

 Oral Appliance Therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating sleep apnea and snoring. In fact, 91% of patients reported improvement in sleep their quality while wearing it.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends oral appliance therapy as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It can also be used in cases where patients are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy.

Recently, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) released a position statement indicating that oral appliance therapy (OAT) should be prescribed as a first-line therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Where Do I Get An Oral Appliance?

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center has the area’s top sleep medicine specialists with 10 convenient locations in AlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaChantillyDumfries, Fredericksburg, GermantownLansdowneManassas, and Woodbridge. We are unique in that we are the only sleep medicine center in the Washington DC metropolitan area with a team of dentists on staff.

Why Get an Oral Appliance?

  • Non-invasive treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
  • Alternative to CPAP therapy if you are not able to meet compliance with your CPAP therapy.
  • Significantly improves sleep apnea symptoms including oxygen saturation and daytime sleepiness.
  • More comfortable than CPAP Custom Fitted to Your Mouth
  • Offers a less cumbersome and more attractive option compared to a CPAP mask.
  • Unlike CPAP, oral appliance therapy is discreet, perfectly silent.
  • Great for travel as oral appliances are low maintenance and can easily be tucked away in your luggage or carry on. No hassles going through security when traveling
  • Better reported treatment compliance rates compared to CPAP
  • Oral appliance therapy is the perfect CPAP alternative, often the preferred treatment with patients.

Does Insurance Cover Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?

At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, we will bill your insurance directly for the oral appliance. Because Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a medical condition, the claim is filed through your medical insurance provider. Most medical insurances cover the cost (after your deductible or co-insurance is met). We also provide a flexible payment plan option for those with a high deductible or without health insurance.

Care and Cleaning of the Oral Appliance

Oral Appliance Therapy may be the perfect solution for ending snoring, treating Sleep Apnea, and improving your sleep quality. It is an ideal CPAP alternative treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for those who have severe OSA, yet are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP therapy and/or surgery.

Call our Oral Appliance specialists at 703-729-3420 extension 535 or 509 or contact us at [email protected] to schedule a consult today. Comprehensive Sleep Care Center has the area’s top sleep medicine specialists with 10 convenient locations in AlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaChantillyDumfries, Fredericksburg, GermantownLansdowneManassas, and Woodbridge.

For more information and educational videos visit www.ByeByeCPAP.com