ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY FOR SNORING, SLEEP APNEA & CPAP PROBLEMS

Send information about this site to a friend or relative.

office news

August, 2008
Office News - Insurance Coverage

Most insurance companies will cover a large percentage of the cost of oral appliance therapy if the therapy is performed by a properly trained and qualified dentist.

Dr. Rogers has the training and experience necessary to maximize your insurance benefits. Out of pocket expenses may vary depending upon your policy deductible and co-payment percentage.

Dr. Rogers is now in-network with Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield and UPMC Health Plan.

What about the oral appliances I see sold over the Internet and on TV? See FAQ's...

overview of oral appliance therapy

Oral appliances have been in use for over 20 years to effectively treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Currently, over 40 different appliance designs are available to specially trained dentists for this use. Many scientific studies have been published that demonstrate the effectiveness of these appliances when utilized by trained and experienced sleep-disorders dentists.

Oral appliances are placed in the mouth much like an orthodontic retainer or an athletic mouth guard. They are utilized during sleep to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat so that the airway stays open during sleep. The appliances promote adequate air intake thereby helping to provide normal sleep for those who suffer from snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliances can be used alone or in combination with CPAP or after surgery. Determination of proper therapy can only be made by joint consultation between your sleep-disorders dentist and your sleep physician.

Types of Oral appliances

Of the many appliances available today, each falls under one of two categories based on mode of action. The first and largest category is that of the “mandibular repositioning device”. By far the majority of all appliances in use today fall into this category. These devices serve by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward during sleep. The second category is that of the “tongue retaining device”. These appliances are seldom used but can be very effective for many people, especially those with few or no teeth or jaw joint problems. Tongue retaining devices function by protruding the tongue forward during sleep.

our patients are talking...

“I had trouble sleeping. Some of the problems were waking up gasping for air and snoring which was a major problem. I had to sleep in a separate room for over two years.

I was observed at West Penn Sleep Clinic. I stopped breathing 80 to 100 times in one night. I tried CPAP but I could not tolerate it. I would wake up in frenzy as if my mouth was on the exhaust of a vacuum sweeper.

I tried the appliance and have used it for at least eight years. It has been great for me. I have been in the same bed with my wife and I feel a lot more rested. It had some getting used to but it was relatively easy.

I found Dr. Rogers to be great and accommodating to work with. Every step is easy and it is a relaxed atmosphere.

I would suggest that anyone having this problem to give this appliance a chance. I had been told by a surgeon that an operation would only have a 50% or less success rate.”

Dean Vitali