Wake up to easy, effective sleep apnea treatment: FAQs about oral appliances at the dentist’s office
The office of Chase Patton, DDS, is your family’s “home” for all things oral health. However, our complete services are more than supporting healthy, attractive teeth. Our Columbia, Missouri, team also provides professional care for tissues supporting teeth. We are mindful of the many conditions that originate from the mouth and jaws and the far-reaching effects these conditions can have on the rest of your body and well-being. So, it is unsurprising that Dr. Patton also provides effective sleep apnea treatment, a hassle-free alternative to traditional therapies (like the CPAP machine).
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a group of disorders characterized by disordered breathing when individuals with it are sleeping. The most common type of sleep apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, generally arises when relaxed tissues in the throat block the airway. Sleep and breathing can be interrupted hundreds of times each night. As you might imagine, these interruptions in breathing and the resulting chronic lack of sleep are quite serious, and they require appropriate and prompt treatment to avoid further complications.
What are some of those complications?
Lack of sleep and persistent fatigue can increase the risk of road and workplace accidents. When airflow is impeded, your body’s tissues do not get the oxygen they need. This can take a tremendous toll on your body’s organs, and OSA is associated with many serious conditions, from diabetes to cardiovascular disease.
Could I have sleep apnea?
Very loud, disruptive, and ongoing snoring often accompanies sleep apnea. Dr. Patton may notice or discuss other potential trouble signs during regular exams with you. These include frequent dry mouth, sore throat, and headaches. Patients with sleep apnea may also complain about being exhausted even when they set aside a healthy eight-plus hour for sleep. Sleep apnea is a serious condition. So, it does require professional evaluation.
How do you treat sleep apnea?
We are proud to provide therapeutic oral appliances through ProSomnus® Sleep Technologies. These devices are custom-fit to your mouth. You slip them in and over your teeth. They gently hold the lower jaw forward. By repositioning the jaw, the airway remains open when the tissues in the throat slacken. Our patients can sleep soundly and breathe healthily and uninterruptedly through the night. They are also easy to wear and maintain and are a great alternative to bulky and loud CPAP therapy for the right patients.
Frequently ask questions about Sleep Apnea
When is snoring a sign of sleep apnea?
You may have either primary snoring or snoring that is secondary to another condition, such as sleep apnea. Typically, the snoring associated with obstructive sleep apnea is particularly loud and persistent. Primary snoring may be lighter and occur periodically or even seasonally due to allergy-related nasal congestion. The snoring may be loud enough that it keeps other members of your household up at night. Others may also mention that you make gasping or choking sounds in the night. These are distinctive red flags for sleep apnea that demand prompt evaluation and treatment. The only way to confirm that you have sleep apnea is to be evaluated by the proper professionals.
Can oral appliances be used instead of CPAP therapy?
Yes. Oral appliance therapy is absolutely a safe and valid alternative to CPAP. Dr. Patton and our team appreciate that not everyone tolerates the noise and bulkiness of the CPAP machine and mask. Your suitability for different treatments depends on factors such as the severity of your diagnosed sleep apnea.
Can you get oral appliances at the drugstore?
You can find “snoreguards” and related devices at the store or online. However, these devices are not FDA-approved for the treatment of sleep apnea. While they may cost less upfront, these appliances are not designed for the precise contours of your mouth. They may even cause more harm than good due to a poor fit, which can lead to bite imbalances, sores, and discomfort. Moreover, these appliances are not designed to make the exacting adjustments in the position of your jaw and that are necessary to resolve the underlying sources of sleep apnea. When there are so many potential quality of life issues and health complications associated with sleep apnea, it is essential to be properly evaluated by professionals and to choose a device that is custom-fitted to your mouth.
Will insurance cover my device?
Most insurance providers cover oral appliance therapy as a “medically necessary treatment.” Specific coverage provisions vary by company and plan. Payment plans are also available to help cover out of pocket costs for treatment.
How long will my device last?
Professional oral appliances are made from high quality materials, so they are designed to last a long time. However, there are many factors that can influence the “lifespan” of your device and when it will need to be adjusted or replaced. These factors include behaviors such as if you grind your teeth and clench your jaws while sleeping, and how you care for your appliance. During regular visits to our office, Dr. Patton checks appliances for signs of damage such as small abrasions, cracks, and warping. It’s also important to clean your device properly and consistently to prevent bacteria from building up. Bacteria can cause more problems in your mouth, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Why do you use ProSomnus devices?
Dr. Patton carefully selects all of the products and treatments at our office based on their clinical effectiveness and safety. Many of our patients appreciate that these devices are flexible, comfortable, and strong. This makes them easy to wear and a great value.
Is oral appliance therapy right for me?
It may be! The ProSomnus® appliances are also appropriate for patients who habitually snore and do not have sleep apnea. Members of your household will thank you for taking the steps to address your snoring. To start the process today, schedule a consultation at Chase Patton, DDS, by calling our team in Columbia, MD, at (573) 875-7040.
Dr. Chase Patton is a highly skilled dentist passionate about improving patients' physical and mental health through comprehensive dental care. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Dr. Patton has advanced training in oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry, receiving accolades such as the American Academy of Orofacial Pain Award. His commitment to continued education at the prestigious Pankey Institute reflects his dedication to providing exceptional care with skill, expertise, and trustworthiness.