Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
Oral Appliance Therapy for sleep apnea, also known as OAT, is a specialized mouthpiece custom built for patients to treat obstructive sleep apnea. This oral appliance for snoring is a highly-recommended alternative therapy to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These cutting-edge devices are created by dentists with the help of sleep specialists, to ensure patients achieve better sleep while treating their sleep apnea.
At SLIIIP, we’re proud to offer Oral Appliance Therapy devices to all of our patients who are struggling with sleep apnea. When you consult virtually, Dr. Bhar and his team of experienced sleep specialists will work alongside you to develop a treatment plan that works for you, helping you to determine if OAT is the right option for your needs. Then, we’ll work with your dental provider to ensure that your OAT device is a perfect fit.
If you’re interested in OAT for sleep apnea, don’t wait to start receiving the restful sleep you deserve. Schedule your first consultation with SLIIIP today.
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OAT: Coordinating Sleep and Dental Care
Because the OAT is a custom built for you, the SLIIIP team will coordinate with your dental provider throughout your treatment to make sure it’s the perfect fit. Here are the steps we’ll take to get you started on oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea:
- Once the telemedicine consultation and sleep test is complete, our sleep specialists will discuss therapy options.
- If OAT is preferred, a referral is made to your dentist or to the closest sleep-trained dentist.
- During the appointment with the dentist, you should expect a thorough examination to determine your suitability for OAT, verification of insurance eligibility and oral measurements made for OAT.
- The dentist will use our documentation to get the OAT approved by your medical insurer. Otherwise, a cash pay option is offered.
- Once the device is made and fitted, the dentist will walk you through the titration steps - this means adjusting OAT over a period of weeks to ensure adequate forward protrusion of your lower jaw for an open airway.
- A follow up with the dentist towards the end of the titration period is usually scheduled.
Our practice will schedule a follow up to document sleep symptoms and proceed to repeat a sleep study. While this may seem tedious, it is necessary to confirm your sleep apnea (oxygen decrease and airway closure) is treated. Otherwise, your risk of medical issues related to inadequately treated sleep apnea will remain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy an oral appliance for sleep apnea?
Because OAT is a medical device that needs to be customized for you, you must have a prescription from a sleep specialist and have the device molded by a dentist. The team at SLIIIP can discuss your candidacy for OAT with you and help you get started on the road to better sleep.
How long will my OAT device last?
Typically speaking, OAT devices have a lifespan of 5 years. The SLIIIP team will follow up with you on your therapy on a regular basis, allowing you the opportunity to discuss how your device is functioning and determine if it needs to be replaced for any reason.
Does insurance cover the cost of OAT for sleep apnea?
Yes. It depends on your benefits plan, appropriate documentation provided by SLIIIP and the ability of the dentist to submit medical insurance billing.
How can I get started with the best online sleep specialists near me?
At SLIIIP, it’s all about making professional sleep medicine as easy to access as possible. If you’re ready to make a consultation with us, just use our online scheduling tool to select a time and date that works best for you. We’ll be in touch shortly to get you started.