Frequently asked questions
I’m a new patient. Is there anything I should bring to my appointment? What should I expect?
Yes, please bring your insurance card, a form of ID, and, if applicable, a prescription from physician indicating a need for an oral appliance. If you don’t have one – no problem, we will contact your physician on your behalf.
A free consultation includes going over sleep health, a clinical exam to make sure appliance treatment is a good option for you, education on how the appliance works, and financial arrangements.
You can also see our For Patients page for new patient forms.
How is this different from a CPAP?
CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) is a breathing therapy device that delivers air to a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth to help consistent breathing.
Oral appliances are fit by qualified dentists, and are a great alternative treatment option for many patients who can’t tolerate or don’t want to use CPAP therapy. They come in many different designs, but for the most part, they are custom made. The main purpose of the dental device is to keep the airway open during sleep, thereby preventing it from collapsing and blocking the normal flow of air.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes! Our primary goal is to minimize all out-of-pocket costs to the patient in order to mitigate cost being a hindrance to treatment. Our office accepts most medical insurances, including Medicare.*
*Please note that sleep apnea is a medical condition. Therefore, this custom made dental appliance is billed under your medical insurance. Coverage varies greatly depending on each individual’s plan, including deductible and co-insurance amounts. During your complimentary consultation we will present your financial obligation based on the above listed criteria.
Will I be able to eat and drink with my appliance?
Appliances are made to be worn while you are sleeping. Some appliances allow you to drink from a straw if you are thirsty during the night, but you cannot eat. Most of the time it just depends on which appliance you are using for treatment.
Are there any side effects to wearing the appliance?
Soreness of the jaw, or headaches can be common in the beginning of the treatment. It is not unusual as the jaw muscle is getting used to a new position. The soreness usually goes away with time.
Will this get rid of my snoring?
Most of the time it will completely eliminate your snoring, depending on the patient and the severity.
Will I be sleeping more? Will I have more energy?
Yes! Absolutely!
How will I keep my appliance clean ?
Using denture cleansing tablets once or twice a month works well. You can also use a soft bristle brush with soap and water after wearing the appliance.
I’m a referring physician, what do I need to provide for my patient?
We are a speciality practice so we require clinical notes on sleep or a letter of medical necessity, a copy of a sleep study, and a prescription for the oral appliance.