1.
What is an oral appliance?
It is a piece of plastic or silicone that fits completely or partially
within the mouth and holds oral structures in a position that
allows easier breathing when you sleep.
2.
Is there only one available?
There are many appliances commercially available. Only 16 of them
are accepted by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment
of obstructive sleep apnea. When you visit with Dr. Morgan, he
will explain the appliance and describe your options.
3.
Will an oral appliance help me?
Research shows that certain patients respond better to oral appliances,
including:
4.
Do they all work the same?
There have been comparisons of appliances which are FDA accepted
for the treatment of sleep apnea to those that are accepted for
treatment of snoring only, and found that those which were accepted
for the treatment of sleep apnea were more effective treating
sleep apnea than appliances accepted only for the treatment of
snoring. Ask Dr. Morgan when you visit him for further information.
5.
How do I choose the correct appliance for me?
My job is to help guide the patient to selecting an appliance
that fits their lifestyle and their anatomy.
6.
How long do they last?
The lifespan of an oral appliance varies depending on its design.
They will last anywhere from six months to six years.
7.
How do I know it's working?
The only way to know for sure would be to have another sleep study,
however when using the appliance, patients report sleeping sounder,
being more alert and less drowsy during the day, sleep partners
sleep more soundly with the reduced snoring, and other lifestyle
improvements.
8.
Will my insurance pay?
Oral appliance therapy is considered medical treatment, and some
medical insurance companies will pay for this. We will assist
you in billing insurance, and you are responsible for any portion
that is not covered.
9.
How do I take care of my appliance?
You need to brush the appliance thoroughly, both inside and out
each morning when you take it out of your mouth, similar to the
care you give to your teeth when you brush them.
FOR APPOINTMENTS OR MORE INFORMATION:
Tel 760-436-9292
email appointments@zerosnore.com
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