Oral Appliance Therapy Cumming
Simple. Portable. Easy to Use.
At Sleep Forsyth, we want our patients to embrace treatment, not avoid it. This is why we offer custom oral appliances in Cumming. Designed to fit comfortably inside the mouth, they are easy to travel with and offer more peace and quiet throughout the night. Call us today to learn more about Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) and how it can help you.
Why Choose Sleep Forsyth for Oral Appliances?
- Customized According to a Patient’s Needs
- Credentialed to File Medical Insurance
- Thorough Patient Education From Start to Finish
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is becoming more and more popular among snoring and sleep apnea sufferers because of how easy it is to use. Sleep dentists like Dr. Bragg offer these custom oral devices because of their ability to minimize episodes of apnea and snoring. When worn while sleeping, these devices help to shift the jaw forward slightly so that the airway remains open. This reduces the chances of soft tissues falling back onto the throat and creating a blockage.
Learn More About Types of Oral Appliances We Offer
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
When learning about oral appliance therapy, you will discover there are many unique advantages that other solutions cannot provide. These might include:
- Portability – Oral appliances are small and can easily fit inside a carry-on bag or purse.
- Quiet – Oral appliances fit inside the mouth and require no sound.
- Greater Comfort – Oral appliances are customized according to your mouth’s shape and unique needs, so they’re comfortable to wear.
- Reduced Bruxism – If you struggle with teeth grinding, you’ll find that wearing an oral appliance will help minimize worn-down tooth enamel and jaw pain
Who Could Benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?
The only way to know if you will benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bragg. However, if you suffer from any of the following, there may be a good chance you’ll be a prime candidate:
- You have mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- You have tried a CPAP machine but have been unsuccessful
- You want to avoid worsening sleep apnea symptoms that might lead to surgery
- You experience loud snoring and want to reduce your risk of developing sleep apnea
- You grind your teeth (bruxism) and suffer from sleep apnea
Does Insurance Cover Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea?
The cost of treatment is often one of the most sought-after answers, which is normal. Fortunately, Sleep Forsyth is credentialed to file medical insurance claims. Depending on your policy, your insurance provider may provide coverage for your oral appliance. Our team will assist in filing your claim so that you have the best chance to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
More Oral Appliance FAQs
How Much Do Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances Cost?
There is no set price for oral appliances. Depending on your medical insurance, you may experience some financial relief because of the possible coverage that is available for Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Because Dr. Bragg is credentialed to file with medical insurance, we can work with your insurer to help lower your costs. We can also discuss additional payment methods should you need help.
Can I Buy an Oral Appliance at the Store?
Technically, yes, you can purchase an oral appliance in stores; however, do not expect it to be as comfortable as one you can receive from Sleep Forsyth. Those found in local drugstores are not customized, so they’re likely to be uncomfortable. This is most common with boil-and-bite solutions. Not only are they bulkier, but they’re much less effective in giving long-lasting results and creating side effects.
How Long Do Oral Appliances Last?
You can expect that your custom oral appliance will last anywhere from 3-5 years, but its lifespan is ultimately determined by how well you take care of it. Most appliances come with a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty. Keeping it clean and safe is essential, but you can expect that Dr. Bragg will have you come in each year to evaluate the status of your appliance and ensure that it is still doing its job effectively. If there are any signs of significant wear or damage, we will need to discuss having a new one created.
How Successful is Oral Appliance Therapy for Treating Sleep Apnea?
Oral appliance therapy is an effective form of sleep apnea treatment that has successfully helped many patients overcome their sleep-disordered breathing in order to enjoy more restful nights. That being said, oral appliances tend to work best for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea; patients with more severe disorders may want to seek a different solution. Our team will need to carefully consider your unique situation before determining whether oral appliance therapy is truly right for you.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using an Oral Appliance to Treat Sleep Apnea?
When you first start wearing your oral appliance, your mouth may begin producing more saliva than normal. Additionally, you may experience dry mouth, jaw discomfort, and temporary changes in your bite. These side effects are typically mild and should go away on their own over time.
In rare cases, oral appliances can potentially cause more serious complications such as permanent bite changes or symptoms of TMJ disorder. These kinds of side effects are very unlikely to happen as long as your appliance is properly fitted. That said, if you notice any particularly worrisome symptoms, we encourage you to let our team know right away.
Can I Get an Oral Appliance if I Grind My Teeth?
Many people with sleep apnea also have a tendency to grind and clench their teeth at night. The good news is that this will not necessarily stop you from getting an oral appliance to treat your sleep apnea. In fact, the appliance may even be able to address both problems at once; in addition to keeping your airway open, it can act as a barrier between the upper and lower rows of teeth, which helps protect them from the worst of the damage that frequent grinding and clenching can cause.
How Should I Clean My Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance?
Harmful bacteria can build up on your oral appliance over time, which can raise your risk of developing cavities and other oral health issues. To avoid this problem, you should go out of your way to keep your oral appliance as clean as possible.
When you take your oral appliance out of your mouth in the morning, rinse it off with cool or warm water. Then gently brush it using a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive cleaning material such as hand soap. Once you’re done cleaning your appliance, dry it off and store it safely in its container.
It may also be beneficial to periodically soak your oral appliance in a denture cleansing solution. This can help get rid of any bacteria that you may not have been able to remove through brushing alone. There’s no need to soak your appliance every day; once a week should be often enough.
What Our Patients Are Saying
“I wanted to tell everyone how great the new dental device is for helping with sleep apnea. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, and they told me the only thing I could use was a CPAP machine. I tried every type of nose piece that was made for CPAP machines. After six months of trying to make the CPAP work, I gave up. I was getting much less sleep while using the CPAP. I talked to Dr. Bragg about it, and she mentioned this mouthpiece. I did the sleep study, and I told the technician that I was not a candidate for a CPAP machine and that I was looking for an alternative. The technician discussed it with my insurance and got me qualified. When you first get the mouthpieces, you need to allow three months to get the perfect fit and size. Patience is the key. I highly recommend these mouthpieces. They were a lifesaver for me.”
– Ginger, 6/4/2020
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