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SLEEP APNEA | Newport Beach, CA

Sleep apnea is not something to take lightly. It is said that this disease can take more years off of life than smoking or diabetes. Sleep apnea can ruin marriages, increase obesity, cause high blood pressure, and make an individual tired and depressed.

The first step in treating this serious disease is getting diagnosis through a sleep study. Sleep studies determine the presence and severity of the disease while giving a baseline from which improvement can be measured. Common options for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea include CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), surgery, and oral appliance therapy. All options are generally billed to and paid for by health insurances.

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Sleep Apnea
  • I highly recommend Dr Spath to anyone looking for a great dentist in Orange County! I've been going to his office for about 3 years now and everyone is always very friendly and helpful. I'm doing Invisalign now during pregnancy and I am almost done! Dr. Spath has always been very nice and attentive helping me get the best possible results. My teeth look great! : )

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Importance of

ORAL SLEEP MEDICINE


Orange County Oral Sleep Medicine was established as a resource for area sleep centers and individuals, to assist in oral appliance therapy (OAT) for the treatment of sleep apnea. There are approximately 97 different oral sleep appliances (OSA). Which one works depends on the individual and his or her particular needs. It is important that sleep centers and patients have the support of a dentist who can not only manage sleep appliances properly, but also deal with insurances. We have the capabilities to do both. We do all medical insurance billing to make the process as easy as possible for patients and sleep centers.

Dr. Andrew Spath is a clinical professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry and has extensive training in oral sleep medicine. Dr. Spath is a great resource for patients concerned about potentially having sleep apnea, or those individuals who are managing the disease.

SIDE EFFECTS OF

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Improved oral health / Appearance

Dental implants are stand-alone restorations, or they can be used to hold a bridge or denture in place. They allow patients to take good care of their smile, brushing and flossing the area as they do their existing teeth. Implants restore a previously beautiful smile.

Better function / Permanancy

Dental implants are extremely strong and can be permanent. The biting and chewing forces are carried to the bone, providing the ultimate in strength for years to come. Functionality is important to many patients, especially those who have been unhappy with the use of bridges or dentures.

Convenient / Successful

Dental implants are permanent and do not require any special care. Patients do not have to worry about them falling out as they do dentures, and can reduce the need for dealing with messy denture adhesives or the worry of having their restoration fall out while socializing with others—a common complaint of denture-wearers. Implants last a lifetime!

Appliances that Work

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Adjustable Herbst

The Herbst sleep apnea device is an adjustable device that is durable and boasts a non-bulky design. This device increases the positioning of the jaw and is best used for patients who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea caused by soft palate collapse.

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SomnoMed

SomnoMed is a very effective sleep apnea device for those who have a large jaw arch. The SomnoMed is made to be durable; the materials used are able to withstand the pressure produced when the jaw is clenched at night. It is used to treat both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

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Tap 3

The TAP 3 is a device designed to reposition the jaw forward to avoid the soft tissues and tongue obstructing the throat. While commonly used as an anti-snoring device, it is also beneficial for patients with sleep apnea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oral appliance therapy?

OAT is a custom-fit nighttime appliance that positions the jaw to maintain an open airway.

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How is it different than a CPAP?

The oral appliance  works differently. By positioning the mandible forward it removes  the constriction that is preventing breathing and causing snoring.  The other major distinction is that the oral appliance is much  smaller and easier to tolerate. It is very similar to a night guard.

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Can you tell me if I have sleep apnea?

We can identify risk factors but we cannot diagnose. Diagnosis must  be made by a physician and only after a sleep study.

Where do I get a sleep study?

There are many sleep centers in Orange County with whom we work, and we would be happy to make the appropriate referral.

Will my insurance pay for it?

Yes, with a completed sleep study and a referral by a physician, health insurance will pay a great majority or all of the cost of the appliance. We make the process as easy as possible preauthorizing, billing, and collecting from your health insurance company.

Who is a candidate for OAT?

Individuals who snore, have sleep apnea, or grind their teeth. OAT is the treatment of choice for cases of mild or moderate sleep apnea.

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