Your Questions, Answered

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical sleep disorder in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This blockage causes repeated pauses in breathing, drops in oxygen levels, and disrupted sleep. Untreated OSA increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Because many symptoms occur at night, formal screening and a sleep study ordered by a medical professional are required to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment options for sleep apnea depend on severity and patient preference. CPAP therapy is commonly prescribed, but many patients cannot tolerate it. Custom oral sleep appliances are an effective CPAP alternative for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for patients who struggle with CPAP compliance.

Custom oral sleep appliances are often covered by medical insurance, not dental insurance, when prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea. Coverage typically requires a sleep study, physician diagnosis, and proper medical documentation. Many patients are surprised to learn their treatment may be eligible for insurance coverage.

Sleep apnea treatment is typically covered by medical insurance, not dental insurance, when it is prescribed to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Coverage usually requires a sleep study, a physician diagnosis, and appropriate medical documentation. Custom oral sleep appliances are often billed under medical insurance as durable medical equipment and may be covered depending on your plan.

Yes. Many patients who are prescribed CPAP therapy cannot tolerate it or use it consistently. Custom oral sleep appliances are a proven CPAP alternative for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for those who are CPAP-intolerant. Treatment suitability is determined using sleep study results, airway anatomy, and physician collaboration.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a medical evaluation and a sleep study that measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep stages. Diagnosis may be made using an in-lab polysomnography or a validated home sleep test, depending on symptoms and medical history. A physician interprets the results to determine severity and treatment options.

Yes. A sleep study and physician diagnosis are required to prescribe an oral sleep appliance for obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep study results help determine disease severity, confirm candidacy, and are necessary for medical insurance coverage. Oral appliance therapy is part of a coordinated medical treatment plan.

In many cases, a home sleep test can be used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea in patients with a high likelihood of moderate disease and no significant medical complications. Home sleep testing must be ordered and interpreted by a medical provider. Treatment decisions are made using sleep study results, airway anatomy, and physician collaboration.

Oral sleep appliances may not be appropriate for patients with severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea, insufficient healthy teeth for appliance support, or certain jaw joint conditions. Candidacy is determined through sleep study data, dental evaluation, and airway assessment. Some patients may require CPAP or combination therapy.

Most patients receive their custom oral sleep appliance within several weeks after completing a sleep study, dental scan, and insurance authorization. The process includes digital impressions, appliance fabrication, and a fitting visit. Follow-up appointments are used to adjust and optimize treatment.

Custom oral sleep appliances are designed to be comfortable and worn only during sleep. Most patients adapt within a short period and find them easier to tolerate than CPAP therapy. Appliances are custom-fitted using digital imaging to improve comfort and effectiveness.

Oral sleep appliance therapy is generally safe, but mild side effects may include temporary jaw soreness, tooth discomfort, or increased salivation. These effects often improve with adjustment and follow-up care. Ongoing monitoring helps minimize risks and ensure effective treatment.

In some patients, oral sleep appliances can cause temporary jaw discomfort or minor bite changes, especially early in treatment. Proper fitting, gradual titration, and regular follow-up visits help reduce these risks. Long-term bite changes are uncommon when therapy is properly monitored.