Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral to get a Home Sleep Test?

You don't need a referral.  We can arrange a Home Sleep Test for you, usually within 2 business days.  If the sleep test suggests you may have sleep apnea, we highly recommend that you consult with your doctor before starting any treatment.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea covered by my insurance?

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition.  It is usually covered either in part or in full under extended medical benefits (not dental benefits) by most insurance companies such as Pacific Blue Cross.   Oral appliance therapy can also be claimed against any company house spending account.  We are happy to assist you in getting reimbursement for your treatment.

Can any dentist treat snoring and sleep apnea?

Dental sleep medicine is a special field which focuses on advancing the knowledge and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing such as snoring and sleep apnea.  In a recent joint policy statement by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, it states that oral appliances must be provided by qualified dentists who have received proper training and demonstrated clinical expertise.

I have severe obstructive sleep apnea, will an oral appliance work for me?

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is the most effective treatment alternative to CPAP.  It is routinely used to treat snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.  Although less predictable, OAT can also be very useful in the management of more severe cases.   In a recent research study, it is found that 70% of patients with severe sleep apnea (AHI>30), has their severity reduced by half when treated by oral appliances.   OAT is also very helpful for severe cases when it is used in combination with CPAP.  It can reduce the pressure needed and therefore making the CPAP more comfortable for the patient.  The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend that anyone who cannot or does not want to wear CPAP should be treated with oral appliances rather than no treatment.

My jaw is tight and I have tmj problem, will an oral appliance work for me?

At OSA Solutions, we treat tmj.  If you have tmj problem, tight jaw muscles or even pain, we can reduce your tmj symptoms first prior to stating oral appliance therapy.  Studies have shown that oral appliance therapy actually improves tmj symptoms over time.

Will my bite change?

Bite changes can happen in some people.  With the new protocol we use, these changes occur much less frequently and, with very few exceptions, these changes are very small and clinically insignificant.  Included in our service, we make a morning aligner for every patient which mitigates the concern.