• Evaluation
  You will be seen for a sleep consult to determine if you might be a candidate for an oral appliance. If there are indications you have problems with your airway, we will refer you for a sleep study based on our evaluation.
• Sleep Test
  If you haven’t already had a home sleep study (HST) within the last 2-3 years, we can refer you to our team of board certified sleep physicians for a sleep study. (This is typically a test with a small device you wear overnight in the comfort of your own home.) The sleep physician will then send us back the interpreted results and we will call you to schedule an appointment.
• Diagnosis
  Once the sleep test results are interpreted, the sleep physician will send us a summary of the results. We review the results of your sleep study and we will outline the treatment option best suited for you.
• Treatment
  Based on the latest technology and the severity of your sleep apnea, you will be given several treatment options. For many people with moderate to severe cases of OSA, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most effective treatment solution. (link for CPAP and HST) For others with mild to moderate OSA and snoring, an Oral Appliance can be also very effective. We will custom make your oral appliance with the newest technology.

Oral Appliance

Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A custom-fit oral sleep appliance can improve your sleep, restore your alertness and revitalize your health. Here is a guide to help you get started with this life-changing treatment.

About Oral Appliance Therapy

Worn only during sleep, an oral appliance fits like a sports mouth guard or an orthodontic retainer. It supports the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway. Research shows that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
If you and your doctor decide that oral appliance therapy is the best treatment option for you, then your doctor will write a prescription for you to receive a custom-made oral appliance. You also will receive a referral to a qualified dentist who can provide oral appliance therapy. More than 100 oral appliances have received FDA clearance. Your dentist will recommend the oral appliance that is best for you. Oral appliance therapy is covered by many medical insurance plans.

Advantages of Oral Appliances

Oral appliance therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment that fits easily into your lifestyle. Patients like oral appliance therapy because it is:

• Comfortable
• Easy to wear
• Quiet
• Portable
• Convenient for travel
• Easy to care for

How A Dentist Can Help

Dentists work closely with physicians to treat snoring and sleep apnea. At your first visit we will talk to you about the benefits of treatment. You also will receive information on the potential side effects and the cost of therapy.

Then we will conduct a complete clinical evaluation. This will include an examination of your teeth, jaw, tongue and airway, and possibly a new X-ray of your mouth.

Making and Fitting Your Oral Appliance

Oral appliances are customized using digital or physical impressions and models of your teeth. These models are sent to a dental lab where the appliance is made.

Once your oral appliance is ready, you will return to your dentist’s office for a fitting. Your dentist will adjust the appliance to maximize its comfort and effectiveness. You also will learn how to clean the oral appliance and maintain it.

Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up visits with your dentist will be needed to ensure the optimal fit of the oral appliance. After this fitting, your sleep doctor may schedule you for a sleep study to verify treatment success. Effective oral appliances are always custom fit and adjusted over time to ensure maximum effectiveness. Dr Suarez will also will schedule you for an annual assessment. These routine visits are an important part of your long-term treatment success.

Living with Oral Appliance Therapy

Treating snoring or obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy can help you feel like a new person. You will find that your symptoms, and your quality of life, can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly. It is likely that you will sleep better, have more energy and feel sharper throughout the day. You may find that your bed partner begins to sleep better, too!

Treating sleep apnea promotes a healthier heart, body, and mind. With your dentist’s help, you can improve your sleep and your health!