Sleep Apnea Dentistry
You deserve a good night sleep. We’ll help you get one.
Sleep Apnea & Dentistry in Newport Beach
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.
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.
Sleep Apnea Appliances That Work
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.
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.
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 About Sleep Apnea
How do I know if a sleep apnea oral appliance is right for me?
A sleep apnea oral appliance may be right for you if you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and want an alternative or complement to CPAP. At Spath Dentistry in Newport Beach, CA, Dr. Spath can evaluate whether your teeth, bite, and jaw position make oral appliance therapy a good option.
Can Spath Dentistry diagnose sleep apnea?
No. Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, usually through a sleep study. Once you have a diagnosis, Spath Dentistry can help determine whether a custom oral appliance may be appropriate for your treatment plan.
What if I cannot tolerate my CPAP?
If CPAP feels uncomfortable, difficult to travel with, or hard to use consistently, an oral appliance may be worth discussing with your physician and dentist. Some patients find oral appliances easier to wear because they are small, quiet, and custom fit.
How much does sleep apnea treatment cost in Newport Beach, CA?
The cost of sleep apnea oral appliance therapy in Newport Beach, CA depends on the appliance, records, follow-up care, and insurance requirements. Medical insurance may help cover treatment when the proper sleep study and documentation are in place.
Where is Spath Dentistry located for sleep apnea oral appliance therapy?
Spath Dentistry provides sleep apnea oral appliance therapy near Newport Beach from our office in Corona del Mar, CA. We serve patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and may benefit from a custom dental appliance.
How do I start sleep apnea treatment with Spath Dentistry?
The first step is having a proper diagnosis from a physician through a sleep study. Once diagnosed, Spath Dentistry can evaluate your mouth, bite, and airway-related concerns to see whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate.
