Oral Appliance Therapy & Patient Care
How effective are oral appliances compared to CPAP?
For patients with mild-to-moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), oral appliance therapy is clinically proven to be as effective as CPAP. OAT is also a viable and highly successful alternative for patients with severe OSA who are CPAP-intolerant, which is a significant portion of the patient population.
How do oral appliances work?
Oral appliances are custom-made dental devices that fit over the upper and lower teeth. They work by gently advancing the lower jaw and associated soft tissues to increase the size of the airway, preventing it from collapsing during sleep. Our doctor, Dr. Sudikoff, has specialized training in neuromuscular dentistry to ensure the appliance is designed for maximum effectiveness and comfort.
What is your protocol for patient care?
We follow a rigorous treatment protocol to ensure optimal results and patient safety. Our process includes:
1. Comprehensive Consultation: A thorough evaluation to determine if OAT is the right treatment for the patient.
2. Digital Impressions: We take precise digital scans to create a custom-fit appliance.
3. Appliance Fitting & Follow-Up: Patients return for the fitting, followed by check-ups at one, three, and six months to ensure the appliance is functioning correctly and is comfortable.
4. Annual Check-ins: We continue with annual follow-ups to monitor the patient’s long-term success.
What type of patient is a good candidate for OAT?
The best candidates for OAT are typically those with mild-to-moderate OSA. Patients with a lower BMI and a lower Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) often see excellent results. Oral appliances are also an ideal solution for any patient who cannot tolerate or is non-compliant with CPAP therapy.
Are over-the-counter appliances a viable option?
No. “Boil-and-bite” appliances found online or in stores are not a suitable substitute for a custom-made oral appliance. They are much less effective and have a significantly higher risk of causing side effects and a much lower compliance rate.
Collaboration & Communication
How do you communicate with referring physicians and dentists?
We believe in a collaborative approach to patient care. We provide referring doctors with timely updates and detailed information after each patient visit. This includes initial evaluation findings, progress reports, and a final summary of treatment outcomes. Our goal is to ensure a continuous loop of communication so you are always informed about your patient’s progress.
Do you accept medical insurance?
Yes, we are in-network with most major medical insurance plans, including Medicare. Our staff will verify a patient’s coverage and handle the billing process to minimize out-of-pocket costs and reduce any financial stress.
Important Considerations
Are there any contraindications for oral appliances?
Yes. Oral appliance therapy is not suitable for all patients. Contraindications include:
● A lack of stable teeth on the lower arch.
● Severe gag reflex.
● Severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complications.
For these patients, we work with the referring doctor to explore other appropriate treatment options.
Who should be referred to you?
You should refer any patient who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and is seeking an alternative to CPAP. You can also refer patients who exhibit signs of chronic snoring or teeth grinding, as these can often be symptoms of an underlying sleep-related breathing disorder.