FAQs

OSA is a sleep disorder in which the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to become partially or completely blocked. This can interrupt breathing repeatedly throughout the night.

Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, pauses in breathing, morning headaches, dry mouth, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and waking up feeling unrefreshed.

Yes. Although snoring is common, not everyone with sleep apnea snores loudly. Other symptoms, such as fatigue, poor sleep quality, or difficulty concentrating, may be more noticeable.

Risk factors include excess body weight, increasing age, a narrower airway or certain jaw structures, family history, nasal obstruction, and alcohol or sedative use. People of any body size can develop OSA.

Untreated OSA can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, increased accident risk from sleepiness, and reduced quality of life.

Snoring frequently accompanies sleep apnea but it is not always an indicator of whether this sleep condition is present. However, snoring can indicate that bulky throat tissue could potentially obstruct airways – especially if patients have certain lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep apnea. Fortunately, the treatment we offer for sleep apnea and snoring is the same. By prescribing a custom oral appliance, the diameter of the airway can be widened to prevent the sounds of snoring as well as episodes of apnea. These oral appliances are soft and comfortable to wear. They work by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward so that the airway is no longer obstructed.

Anyone of any age can have sleep apnea. Even though snoring can accompany sleep apnea, it is not always a symptom of this sleep disorder. For this reason, it is important to have a sleep study conducted to determine if apnea is occurring. Our practice provides take-home sleep study machinery to detect episodes of apnea during sleep. After usage, the device will be returned to our practice and we will analyze the data collected. If we find that sleep apnea is present or determine if snoring is obstructing one’s quality of life, we will provide treatment recommendations.

The exact cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different for each person. Anyone can develop it, regardless of age or gender. The most common risk factors include:

• Being over age 40
• Having a large neck (over 17 inches in men, 16 inches for women)
• Being overweight – approximately half of OSA sufferers are overweight
• Being male – more men than women suffer from OSA
• Having a large tongue or small jaw
• Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (particularly in children)
• Using alcohol or sedatives which relax the muscles in the airway
• Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum or sinus and allergy problems

Symptoms may suggest OSA, but a sleep study is needed to diagnose it. A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and determine which type of testing is appropriate.

A sleep study measures breathing and other body functions during sleep. It may be performed at home with a portable monitor or in a sleep laboratory.

Dentists can identify signs and risk factors, screen patients, and help coordinate care. A dentist generally does not diagnose OSA solely through a dental examination; diagnosis requires appropriate medical evaluation and sleep testing.

The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) measures the average number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep. In adults, commonly used categories are:

• Normal: fewer than 5 events per hour
• Mild: 5 to fewer than 15
• Moderate: 15 to fewer than 30
• Severe: 30 or more

Our sleep tests are done at home in your own bed.

You will have a follow-up sleep study while using your oral appliance to confirm the effectiveness of the device. A consultation with the sleep medicine physician will be necessary to interpret the results.

Treatment depends on severity, anatomy, symptoms, and patient preferences. Options include CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, weight management when appropriate, positional therapy, selected surgical procedures, and certain other airway treatments.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) uses a mask connected to a machine that delivers pressurized air to help keep the airway open during sleep.

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device worn during sleep. Many devices work by gently positioning the lower jaw forward to help maintain an open airway.

For some patients, yes. Custom oral appliance therapy is an accepted treatment option, particularly for patients who prefer an alternative to CPAP or cannot tolerate it. CPAP is generally more effective at reducing breathing events, especially in more severe OSA. Treatment effectiveness should be confirmed with follow-up sleep testing.

Candidates may include adults with mild to moderate OSA and adults with more severe OSA who prefer an alternative or cannot tolerate CPAP. A qualified dentist should assess dental health, jaw function, and suitability in coordination with the patient's sleep physician.

Coverage varies by insurance plan, medical necessity criteria, provider qualifications, and documentation. Patients should verify their benefits and any out-of-pocket costs before scheduling an appointment.

While CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea, many people cannot tolerate the discomfort of  the mask and the inconvenience and noise of the machine. Therefore a high percentage of users have difficulty or will not wear them.  

An oral appliance is a popular alternative to the CPAP. This device is small, portable, fits more comfortably and can provide similar treatment benefits.

While there are over-the-counter appliances you can order, keep in mind these are not FDA approved for treating sleep apnea. Additionally, when not fitted properly they may cause unwanted side effects such as jaw problems or excessive tooth movement.

Typically for the whole process its around 2 months. Possibly less if you don’t need a sleep study or aren’t using insurance.

The first appointment, we do an airway evaluation. Dr. Drake checks your airway and explains how an oral appliance works, and shows you an example. Next, if you have medical insurance, we do a benefits check and refer you for a sleep study (if needed). After that we have a consultation with the patient and go over benefits. Then the patient can decide if they want to move forward with the impressions. Once impressions are taken, its about 4 weeks to get the appliance back in office.

Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isn’t covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed.

If coverage is available for oral appliances, it will come from your medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  

Our patients tell us it is well worth the investment of their time and money to treat their sleep apnea because of the improved quality of life they experience.

We offer financing options and will work with you to find a solution that fits your needs.

We are in network with many insurance companies including BCBS KS and we accept many Medicare plans.

Many patients experience improved alertness, sleep quality, and daytime functioning when treatment is effective. Results vary, and persistent fatigue may require further evaluation.

Weight loss can improve OSA in some people, but it does not necessarily eliminate it. Patients should continue prescribed treatment until a healthcare professional confirms that it is safe to change or stop.

The majority of patients will adapt to the appliance within 5-10 days. It will take a few days to get used to having a device in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance will not hurt your teeth. If your teeth are sore after initial use, we can easily adjust it for your comfort.

They are made of hard acrylic, which is very durable. They are typically replaced every 3-5 years depending on wear and tear. If you grind your teeth, you may have a more frequent rate of repair or replacement.

A change in your bite is possible. Depending on the position of your teeth and the status of your bone, your teeth may shift. This can be minimized with the use of a morning re-positioning device.

The most common side effect is morning muscle soreness that usually goes away after a short time. Some patients may experience either dry mouth or excessive salivation. As mentioned above, minor tooth movement occurs in some patients.

Obstructive sleep apnea is unlikely to decrease with age; therefore your oral appliance will probably be a lifelong therapy. However, certain wellness factors such as significant weight loss may improve your symptoms.