Stop Snoring St. Louis
www.stopsnoringstlouis.com
www.stopsnoringstlouis.com
Types of Oral Appliances
There are two main categories of oral appliances used to treat snoring and sleep apnea
TRD's are a suction bulb type device that fits over the tongue and keeps it forward during sleep.
The MRA/MRD is the most frequently used type of oral appliance. There are dozens of these devices available today. We use devices that have been FDA cleared for use in both snoring and sleep apnea.
There are two main categories of oral appliances used to treat snoring and sleep apnea
- Mandibular repositioning appliances/devices-commonly called MRA or MRD
- Tongue retaining devices-commonly called TRD
TRD's are a suction bulb type device that fits over the tongue and keeps it forward during sleep.
The MRA/MRD is the most frequently used type of oral appliance. There are dozens of these devices available today. We use devices that have been FDA cleared for use in both snoring and sleep apnea.
Pictures of Oral Appliances
TAP 3 (on plaster models)
TAP 3 (on plaster models)
Somnodent
Dorsal Appliance
Robert A. Levy, D.M.D., LLC General Dentistry
About Oral Appliances
When can oral appliances be used?
Oral appliances can be used to treat simple snoring, and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea if patients prefer it to CPAP, cannot tolerate CPAP, or are unable to use positional therapy or weight loss to control their apnea. Oral appliances can also be used for severe apnea if patients cannot tolerate CPAP, and are not candidates for surgery.
Effectiveness
Oral appliances are highly effective in cases of simple snoring or mild to moderate apnea and work well in a majority of cases. In cases of severe apnea, they may not be as effective as CPAP, but can be used if CPAP has been tried first.
Side effects
Most side effects are temporary and minor, such as mild tooth or jaw soreness, salivation or dry mouth. In some cases there can be long term changes to the bite or tooth alignment.
Fitting
Oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea should be fitted by a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine. Dr. Levy has received training by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (www.aadsm.org). Impressions of the teeth, and specific measurements of the bite are made. The appliance is made by a qualified dental laboratory, and the majority of appliances are custom made for each individual patient for maximum effectiveness and comfort. The amount of jaw protrusion can be adjusted in small increments until the most effective setting is reached.
Treatment
Once an appliance has been selected and made, patients are seen every few weeks to monitor their progress and make necessary adjustments. Once we feel your device has been adjusted for optimum effectiveness, we will refer you back to your medical sleep specialist for follow up evaluation. We will also continue to monitor you once or twice a year.
Insurance Coverage
Medical insurance may cover some or most of the cost of oral appliance therapy, but this depends on your individual policy and its exclusions and limitations. Please be sure to have your medical insurance information available when you call for your first appointment. In cases where insurance does not cover this treatment, our office offers some interest free financing through Care Credit or Citi Health Card.
Oral appliances can be used to treat simple snoring, and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea if patients prefer it to CPAP, cannot tolerate CPAP, or are unable to use positional therapy or weight loss to control their apnea. Oral appliances can also be used for severe apnea if patients cannot tolerate CPAP, and are not candidates for surgery.
Effectiveness
Oral appliances are highly effective in cases of simple snoring or mild to moderate apnea and work well in a majority of cases. In cases of severe apnea, they may not be as effective as CPAP, but can be used if CPAP has been tried first.
Side effects
Most side effects are temporary and minor, such as mild tooth or jaw soreness, salivation or dry mouth. In some cases there can be long term changes to the bite or tooth alignment.
Fitting
Oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea should be fitted by a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine. Dr. Levy has received training by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (www.aadsm.org). Impressions of the teeth, and specific measurements of the bite are made. The appliance is made by a qualified dental laboratory, and the majority of appliances are custom made for each individual patient for maximum effectiveness and comfort. The amount of jaw protrusion can be adjusted in small increments until the most effective setting is reached.
Treatment
Once an appliance has been selected and made, patients are seen every few weeks to monitor their progress and make necessary adjustments. Once we feel your device has been adjusted for optimum effectiveness, we will refer you back to your medical sleep specialist for follow up evaluation. We will also continue to monitor you once or twice a year.
Insurance Coverage
Medical insurance may cover some or most of the cost of oral appliance therapy, but this depends on your individual policy and its exclusions and limitations. Please be sure to have your medical insurance information available when you call for your first appointment. In cases where insurance does not cover this treatment, our office offers some interest free financing through Care Credit or Citi Health Card.
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Levy, I would like to take a moment to thank you so much for introducing me to, and educating me regarding the snoring inhibitor dental device. I very much desired to end the snoring for my wife's sake. We were at the point where one of us, more often than not, was sleeping downstairs, just to get some rest. Well, that has ended...After about 2 weeks of using the device, I sleep more soundly. Thanks again. I highly recommend this device, when appropriate, to any of your clients. I appreciate you solving what had become a big problem in my marriage!"
"Dr. Levy, I would like to take a moment to thank you so much for introducing me to, and educating me regarding the snoring inhibitor dental device. I very much desired to end the snoring for my wife's sake. We were at the point where one of us, more often than not, was sleeping downstairs, just to get some rest. Well, that has ended...After about 2 weeks of using the device, I sleep more soundly. Thanks again. I highly recommend this device, when appropriate, to any of your clients. I appreciate you solving what had become a big problem in my marriage!"
