Dental Sleep Applianes FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to snoring and sleep apnea, our patients are usually filled with a lot of questions, and we’re happy to provide all the answers they need! Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our team receives every day. Of course, if you have a question that isn’t on this page, be sure to give us a call and ask! We’re always happy to talk to you and make sure you have all the information you need.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person experiences frequent and temporary lapses in breathing during sleep. These can occur because the tissues in the mouth and throat are relaxing into and blocking the airway (obstructive sleep apnea) or the brain isn’t sending the body the signal to breathe during sleep (central sleep apnea). Common symptoms include loud snoring, persistent exhaustion, and problems with mood/memory.
I think I might have sleep apnea, but I’m not sure. What should I do?
We recommend taking a minute to fill out our short sleep quiz. It will show our team how likely you are to have sleep apnea, and after evaluating your answers, we will contact you and let you know if you should come see us for an exam. To get a proper diagnosis for sleep apnea, you’ll need to undergo a sleep study either at home or in a lab. After that, your doctor will be able to determine which treatment option is best for you.
I snore… does that automatically mean I have sleep apnea?
While snoring is the most common sign of sleep apnea, it is not a definitive indicator that someone has the condition. However, snoring can still be disruptive to someone’s sleep (as well as those around them), and studies have shown that people who regularly snore are more likely to develop sleep apnea in the future. Fortunately, we can help someone stop snoring and even prevent the onset of sleep apnea by providing them with a custom-made oral appliance.
Is oral appliance therapy (OAT) better than CPAP therapy?
This answer really depends on the individual patient. Many find OAT to be much more comfortable than CPAP therapy because the oral appliances are small, easy to use, and make no noise. However, for patients with severe sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is often the only option. If you’re currently using a CPAP machine and are interested in seeing if OAT could be a viable alternative, we can help you find out, so give us a call today.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, Powell Dental Sleep Solutions will accept and is an in-network provider for many medical insurance plans, including Medicare. Our team is happy to help you better understand how your benefits could be used to pay for your sleep apnea treatment. And, if you get treatment with us, we’ll even file the claim for you. To learn more about how your policy could be used to help you save, contact us today.
I currently don’t have insurance. Can I finance my sleep apnea treatment?
Yes. We accept payment plans from CareCredit, a third-party financier we have worked with for many years. You can sign up for a low-to-no interest plan right through our website—simply click on the CareCredit link on our “For Patients” page to explore your options. If you have any questions, be sure to give us a call today.