The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when your airway is repeatedly obstructed, causing a pause in breathing during sleep. Night after night of fragmented sleep can have detrimental effects on your livelihood and leave you feeling exhausted. Luckily there are treatments available.
Dr. Lawrence offers oral appliance therapy so you can comfortably get the care you need.
The Sleep Apnea Consultation
If you think you have sleep apnea, the first step is to contact our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lawrence by calling (972) 542-9129. During your consultation, you’ll discuss your symptoms and Dr. Lawrence will thoroughly examine the following:
- Your head and neck function
- The roof of your mouth
- Throat
- Tongue
- Neck
- Posture
- Body mass
- Nasal septum
He’ll look for any areas that may cause an airway obstruction. After your examination, Dr. Lawrence will determine if you would benefit from a sleep study for a clear diagnosis. This will provide more information about the severity of the disorder so he can determine the most effective treatment method to meet your individual needs.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
In order to diagnose sleep apnea, you’ll undergo a sleep study prior to beginning treatment. You can choose to participate in a sleep study in the comfort of your own home or under the supervision of a physician in a lab. Your physician will examine the data and determine the proper diagnosis.
After you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Lawrence will review the data and create a customized treatment plan that will help you achieve quality rest. He’ll explain our solutions and recommend the use of a customized oral appliance to help treat your sleep apnea.
What is an Oral Appliance?
An oral appliance is a device that can fit in the palm of your hand and resembles a retainer. It works by gently shifting your mouth forward and keeping your tongue in a neutral position. This keeps your airway open and allows you to get the quality sleep you need.
It’s customized to fit the contours of your teeth for added comfort. Best of all, it’s noiseless, so your significant other won’t lose sleep over it. It’s a friendly travel companion that won’t require its own luggage, or take up an entire section of your room like a CPAP machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oral device for sleep apnea?
The best device for sleep apnea depends on your specific needs. Each oral device is customized to fit your unique bite and support the jaw to help maintain an open upper airway. Once you’ve completed a sleep test, Dr. Lawrence will review your diagnosis and help determine the best oral device for you and your sleep disorder.
Is oral appliance therapy covered by insurance?
Most medical insurance companies cover a portion or all of the costs of oral appliance therapy, but some may not. We recommend contacting your insurance provider prior to your appointment to get an understanding of your coverage. If you’d like, a knowledgeable member of our staff can contact them for you to ensure you receive your maximum coverage and benefits.
Together, we’ll help you find the most effective solution that fits your needs and lifestyle. If there are any questions we can answer, don’t hesitate to call our McKinney office at (972) 542-9129 and a knowledgeable team member will be happy to assist you.
How much does an oral appliance cost?
The cost varies from patient to patient and depends on certain factors like your treatment goals, type of sleep disorder, and the oral appliance that’s right for you. For an accurate estimate, we recommend contacting our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lawrence. During the consultation, he’ll examine your oral health and create a customized treatment plan that will include a breakdown of the cost.
Which is better, a CPAP machine, or an oral appliance?
While a CPAP machine is a trusted treatment method for treating sleep apnea, it comes with its own limitations. One study found that between 30 to 60% of patients who were prescribed to use a CPAP machine actually followed through with their treatment.
In addition to historically low adherence rates, the CPAP machine is bulky, loud, and uncomfortable. Many patients complain of feeling claustrophobic, difficulty falling asleep, sores, and dry or stuffy nose. An oral appliance is customized to fit the contours of your smile. It can fit in the palm of your hand for easy storage and transportation.
Best of all, it won’t keep you up at night. The best treatment is always the one you follow through with and Dr. Lawrence will examine your symptoms and explain the benefits of each treatment so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Oral Appliance Therapy is Here
Thanks to advances in technology, your sleep apnea treatment can fit in the palm of your hand. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are seeking an alternative to the CPAP machine, an oral appliance is an effective solution for your condition. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lawrence by calling (972) 542-9129 and we’ll help you on your journey to a quality night of rest.