Sleep apnea and its associated comorbidities are of great importance in managing a patient’s systemic and oral health. With Dr. Reece’s help, you can improve your sleep and your health. Dentists are trained to help treat and manage sleep apnea.
If you are suffering from sleep disturbances like sleep apnea, Oral Appliance Therapy may be a solution for you.
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). An oral appliance is a small plastic device that fits in the mouth like a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. They are custom-fit devices molded to your anatomy. They prevent the airway from collapsing by supporting the jaw in a forward position during sleep.
Oral appliances may be used alone or with other treatments for sleep-related breathing disorders, such as weight management, surgery, or CPAP.
Dr. Reece can make a custom appliance just for you that is comfortable and easy to wear.
During your consultation, Dr. Reece will ask you questions about your sleep issues, and she’ll conduct a comprehensive dental examination of your teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway. She may also order a 3D Cone Beam CT to get 3D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan. Images obtained with cone-beam CT allow for more precise treatment planning and analysis.
Once she has digital or physical impressions and models of your teeth, the models are sent to a dental lab where the appliance is made.
When your oral appliance is ready, you’ll be scheduled to see Dr. Reece again for a fitting. During this appointment, Dr. Reece will adjust the appliance to maximize comfort and effectiveness, and she’ll also show you how to clean and maintain your appliance.
Dr. Reece will schedule follow-up visits for you to ensure the optimal fit of the oral appliance. These visits are important in determining long-term treatment success.
If you are concerned about the cost of oral appliances, we offer financing options. Ask us today about the options available to you. Also, there are some circumstances where sleep apnea assistance may be billed to medical insurance. Be sure to let us know if you are interested in this option.
If you are struggling to sleep and are interested in exploring Oral Appliance Therapy for your sleep issues, contact Advanced Dentistry of Kearney at (308) 237-1311 to schedule a Sleep Apnea consultation with Dr. Reece today.
