Common questions

No. You can book with us directly. If you’ve already had a sleep study, bring the report to your first appointment. If your physician has diagnosed sleep apnea, we’ll work with them on your prescription for an appliance.

Yes. Your teeth and gums need to be healthy enough to hold an appliance. You’ll get a dental clearance exam at Serenity Oaks Dental, in the same building as our office, and any problems can be treated there before your appliance is made.

Oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea is usually billed to medical insurance, not dental insurance. Many medical plans, including Medicare, cover it for patients who qualify. We’ll check your benefits and tell you what to expect before treatment starts.

Most people get used to it within a week or two. Early on you may notice a stiff jaw in the morning, tender teeth, or more saliva than usual. These usually settle. Let us know if they don’t, and we’ll adjust it.

Over years of use, some people’s bite shifts slightly. We record your bite before treatment and check it at every visit, and we’ll show you simple morning jaw exercises that help.

You need enough healthy teeth, or implants, in both jaws to hold the appliance in place. Crowns and bridges are usually fine. Full dentures generally can’t support one. We’ll tell you at your consultation.

Usually several years, with daily cleaning. We check it for wear at each visit and let you know when it needs replacing.

For most people, an appliance reduces snoring a lot, and for many it stops completely. We adjust it gradually until you and anyone who sleeps near you notice the difference.

Sometimes. It’s an option for many people with mild or moderate sleep apnea, and for people with severe sleep apnea who can’t use CPAP. Keep using your CPAP until your physician agrees a change. Read more about oral appliance treatment.