Snoring is a problem that is all too common, and it may lead to countless hours of lost sleep and tension with couples who sleep in the same room. In addition, snoring is now connected to adverse medical effects, which includes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
How Can Snoring and OSA Be Treated?
Whether you have a problem with snoring or you have been diagnosed with OSA, treatment options do exist. Surgery is an option in some cases, but most people choose non-surgical treatment options:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine & Mask: This increases air pressure in your throat so that your airway doesn’t collapse when you breath in. CPAPs don’t work for everyone; they are rarely used consistently; they can easily be displaced during sleep; and they aren’t silent.
- Oral Appliances: Oral appliance therapy uses a mouth guard-like device, which is worn during sleep to maintain an open, unobstructed airway by supporting the jaw in a forward position. Many people prefer this treatment because it is comfortable, quiet, low-maintenance, and effective.
Insurance Coverage for Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with OSA, then many medical plans, including Medicare, will cover oral appliances for treatment. At Alrez Family Dentistry, we can work with you to custom-fit the device using impressions and models of your teeth.
If you don’t have sleep apnea, but you snore a lot, then an oral appliance can still be a good solution. In this case, insurance may not cover your treatment with the appliance, but it is a more affordable treatment than other options that exist.
Getting Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea
In order to get diagnosed with sleep apnea, you must be evaluated by a physician. If you need to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, we recommend making an appointment at the Crozer-Keystone Sleep Center at Brinton Lake. The Sleep Center is located right by our office:
145 South Brinton Lake Road
Crozer Health Pavillon
Glen Mills, PA 19342
Treat Your Snoring With a Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece
Dr. Alrez is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and she has helped many patients treat sleep apnea and snoring with oral appliance therapy. Whether you have some mild snoring issues or you’ve been diagnosed with OSA and are fed up with your CPAP, Dr. Alrez can help.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alrez today to find out if an oral appliance is right for you!
