FAQs

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What are common symptoms of sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

How common is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What can increase the risk for developing sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What causes snoring?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

Is snoring normal?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What causes snoring?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

Could snoring be a symptom of a greater sleep issue?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What are the risks of untreated snoring?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

How do oral devices treat sleep apnea and/or snoring?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What are the advantages of oral device therapy?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

Are there possible side effects of wearing an oral device?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

Will insurance cover oral device therapy?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What are common types of sleep disorders?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What should I expect for my first visit?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a type of sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during the night. These interruptions occur due to airways being partially or fully obstructed. This condition arises when the tongue or tissues in the throat relax at intervals, leading to a blockage of the airway while sleeping.

What is an oral appliance?

An oral appliance is a small, custom-made device worn during sleep to treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. It works by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. Oral appliances are medical-grade, comfortable, and easy to wear—similar to a mouthguard or retainer.

How does it compare to CPAP?

While CPAP uses air pressure delivered through a mask to keep your airway open, oral appliances achieve the same goal by physically repositioning the jaw and tongue. For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances are often just as effective and are preferred by many due to their compact size, quiet use, and ease of travel.

Is this covered by insurance or Medicare?

Yes. Oral appliance therapy is often covered by medical insurance and is eligible for Medicare coverage. At Dental Sleep Medicine of Charlotte, we are a registered Medicare DME provider and bill Medicare directly for qualified patients. We also work with all insurance companies and file claims on your behalf.

What should I expect at my first visit?

During your first visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your sleep symptoms, and evaluate whether oral appliance therapy is right for you. If you’ve already had a sleep study, we’ll coordinate with your physician. We’ll also take impressions or scans for your custom device and explain the next steps clearly.

Will my physician be kept in the loop?

Absolutely. We believe in collaborative care and work hand-in-hand with your primary care doctor and sleep specialist. We provide regular reports and treatment updates to keep your physician informed and ensure your care stays aligned with your overall health plan.

How often do I need to come in?

After receiving your oral appliance, we’ll schedule a few follow-up visits to ensure proper fit, comfort, and effectiveness. Once your treatment is stabilized, we typically recommend annual check-ins or as needed to maintain your results and make any necessary adjustments.