Sleep Apnea Treatment

A restful night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being. If you struggle with sleep apnea, you know how disruptive it can be to your life. At Innovative Orthodontics, we offer specialized sleep apnea treatment designed to help you breathe easier and sleep better.

As a leading sleep apnea specialist in the community, our team, led by Dr. Spence, provides effective, non-invasive solutions like oral appliance therapy to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

We understand the serious impact of sleep-disordered breathing. Our approach focuses on addressing the underlying structural causes, providing a comfortable and effective alternative to traditional CPAP machines for many patients.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. The most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block the upper airway. These interruptions can happen hundreds of time a night, preventing your brain and body from getting the oxygen they need.

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud, persistent snoring
Episodes of gasping or choking during sleep
Observed pauses in breathing
Excessive daytime fatigue or sleepiness
Morning headaches and dry mouth
Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
Irritability or mood swings

Without proper sleep apnea treatment, the condition can lead to serious long-term health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Oral Appliance Therapy: A Comfortable CPAP Alternative

For many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is a highly effective and preferred treatment option. This approach uses a custom-fitted dental device, similar to a mouthguard or retainer, that you wear only while you sleep. The appliance works by gently shifting your lower jaw forward, which helps to keep your airway open and allows you to breathe continuously through the night.

At Innovative Orthodontics, we specialize in creating these devices. As a skilled sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Spence will ensure your appliance is custom-made for a precise and comfortable fit, maximizing its effectiveness.

The Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Comfortable: The devices are small, custom-fitted, and much less cumbersome than a CPAP mask and machine.
Quiet: Oral appliances are silent, which benefits both you and your sleep partner.
Portable: They are small and easy to pack, making travel simple and convenient.
Easy to Use: There are no hoses, cords, or electricity required. You simply place it in your mouth before bed.
Non-Invasive: This form of sleep apnea treatment is completely non-invasive.

Our Process for Sleep Apnea Treatment

Your journey to better sleep starts with a partnership between your physician and our orthodontic team. While we provide expert sleep apnea orthodontics, a formal diagnosis of sleep apnea must be made by a medical doctor, usually following a sleep study.

Diagnosis: First, you will need a diagnosis from a sleep physician. If you suspect you have sleep apnea but haven’t been diagnosed, we can refer you to a trusted local specialist.
Consultation: Once you have a diagnosis, you will meet with our team for a comprehensive consultation. We will discuss your diagnosis, symptoms, and lifestyle to determine if oral appliance therapy is the right choice for you.
Custom Fitting: We use our state-of-the-art iTero digital scanner to take a highly accurate 3D impression of your teeth. No goopy, uncomfortable molds are needed. This digital model is used to create your custom oral appliance.
Delivery and Adjustment: When your appliance is ready, you’ll return for a fitting. We will make any necessary adjustments to ensure it is comfortable and effective. We’ll also teach you how to use and care for it properly.
Follow-Up: We work closely with you and your sleep physician to monitor your progress and ensure the treatment is working effectively to manage your sleep-disordered breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is oral appliance therapy as effective as a CPAP machine?

For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy has been proven to be a highly effective treatment. Many patients find it more comfortable and are more likely to use it consistently, which is the key to successful sleep apnea treatment. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP is often the first recommendation, but an oral appliance can sometimes be used in conjunction with it or as an alternative if a patient cannot tolerate CPAP.

How do I know if I am a candidate for an oral appliance?

You are likely a good candidate if you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and are looking for a CPAP alternative. A consultation with a sleep apnea specialist like Dr. Spence will help determine if this treatment is right for your specific needs.

Will my medical or dental insurance cover oral appliance therapy?

Since sleep apnea is a medical condition, oral appliance therapy is often covered by medical insurance plans, not dental insurance. Our administrative team has extensive experience navigating this process and will work with you to verify your benefits and help you maximize your coverage.

How long does it take to get used to wearing the appliance?

Most patients adapt to wearing their oral appliance within a few nights to a couple of weeks. Because each device is custom-designed for a perfect fit, they are created to be as comfortable as possible. We will provide tips and support to help you adjust quickly.