What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep-related breathing disorder. It happens when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. People with OSA often have loud or heavy snoring, and they may stop breathing for more than 10 seconds at a time. Some wake up choking or gasping.
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed, which combines the first two. Each type can leave a person with poor-quality sleep, even if they do not fully wake up. Because the problem often goes unnoticed, many people do not know they have it.
What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
The most widely known treatment is continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. A CPAP machine sits at the bedside and delivers air through a mask worn during sleep. The air pressure helps keep the airway open.
Some patients look for a different option. Oral appliance therapy is one alternative to CPAP. It uses a custom mouthpiece that is similar to a retainer. The device is made for each patient, so it is light and fairly easy to wear. It is a non-invasive option, and it may be a good fit for some patients. Whether it is right for you depends on your diagnosis and your sleep doctor’s recommendation.
Who is oral appliance therapy for?
Patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and want to explore a CPAP alternative are the people this treatment is designed for. Others may be looking into it because they find a CPAP mask uncomfortable, or because they have trouble using the machine every night.
Sleep apnea is serious. If it goes untreated, it can be dangerous. A sleep study and a diagnosis from a physician should come first. Your dentist can then discuss whether a dental appliance is a reasonable option for your situation.
What to expect at your visit
Your first step is a consultation at our Santa Ana office. We will talk with you about your snoring, your sleep, and any sleep study results you already have. We will also look at your teeth, bite, and jaw.
Our office uses electronic records and high-resolution digital imaging. Digital imaging improves accuracy while using less radiation than traditional film X-rays. If a custom appliance is appropriate, we will take the measurements and impressions needed to make it for you. Once the appliance is ready, we will check the fit and make adjustments so it sits comfortably.
You will also learn how to wear and care for the appliance, and what to do if something does not feel right.
What does it cost, and what about insurance?
Cost depends on your treatment plan and your dental insurance. Our office honors most true dental insurance plans, including PPO and indemnity plans, as well as Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, Smile California, and CalOptima dental plans. Coverage for a sleep-related oral appliance depends on the specific terms of your plan, so we cannot promise what your plan will pay.
To help you understand your benefits, we offer a complimentary insurance eligibility check before your visit. We also offer finance plans, and 0% financing is available for qualified patients. Ask our team about payment options when you call.
Follow-up and aftercare
After your appliance is placed, you will likely need follow-up visits to check how it fits and how your bite feels. Tell us about any soreness, jaw discomfort, or changes in your teeth. Many patients find that the appliance takes a short time to get used to.
Keep your sleep physician informed about your treatment. Regular checkups help confirm that the therapy is still working for you.
Why choose Pure Santa Ana Dentist?
Pure Santa Ana Dentist is a family-run practice. Our team treats every patient like family and takes time to explain each step. Our dentists are Dr. Khaef, Dr. Steven Vu, and Dr. Nguyen. Our treatment coordinator, Joel Galindo, can help you plan your visits and understand your costs.
Our office uses a Cerec machine, a CT scan, a diode laser, and an Itero digital scanner. We also use high-resolution digital imaging. Our office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, so you can plan visits around work or school.
How do I book a sleep apnea consultation?
To schedule a free consultation, call us at 714-705-6852 or use the online scheduling option on our website. Our office is located at 1125 17th St Suite E227, Santa Ana, CA 92701. If you have a sleep study or a diagnosis from your doctor, bring a copy to your visit.
Questions about sleep apnea/CPAP alternative
Is oral appliance therapy an alternative to CPAP?
Yes, oral appliance therapy is one alternative to CPAP for some patients with obstructive sleep apnea. It uses a custom mouthpiece that is similar to a retainer. Whether it is right for you depends on your diagnosis and your sleep doctor's recommendation.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Common signs include loud or heavy snoring and interrupted breathing during sleep. A sleep study and a diagnosis from a physician are needed to confirm sleep apnea. If you suspect you have it, talk with your doctor first.
What happens at a sleep apnea consultation at Pure Santa Ana Dentist?
We review your snoring and sleep concerns, any sleep study results you have, and your teeth, bite, and jaw. If an oral appliance seems appropriate, we will explain the next steps. The consultation is free.
Does insurance cover an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
Coverage depends on your specific dental or medical plan, so we cannot promise what it will pay. Our office offers a complimentary insurance eligibility check before your visit to help you understand your benefits.
Do you accept Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, or CalOptima?
Yes, our office honors Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, and CalOptima dental plans, along with most PPO and indemnity plans and Smile California. Call us at 714-705-6852 for an eligibility check.
Does the oral appliance feel uncomfortable?
Because the appliance is custom made to fit each patient, it is designed to be light and comfortable. Some patients need a short adjustment period. Tell us about any soreness so we can make changes.
Can I pay over time for sleep apnea treatment?
Yes, we offer finance plans, and 0% financing is available for qualified patients. Our team can explain your payment options during your consultation.