Sleep Apnea Treatment – West Hartford, CT, Avon, CT
Become a Morning Person
Roughly 20 million Americans have sleep apnea, meaning no matter how many hours they spend in bed, they always wake up feeling tired and have to battle through exhaustion during the day. This condition can drastically reduce someone’s quality of life, but at Blue Back Dental, we’re able to offer a simple and proven solution for sleep apnea treatment that can literally fit into any pocket or purse.
Why Choose Blue Back Dental for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Custom Designed Appliances for Each Patient
- Can Prevent Snoring
- Viable Alternative to CPAP Therapy
What Is Sleep Apnea?
There are multiple types of sleep apnea, but the most common one by far is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA. When a person lies down, their airway becomes blocked by the tissues in the back of their throat, including the tongue. This forces the body to partially wake up several times throughout the night. As a result, a person doesn’t reach the deeper, restorative stages of sleep, which is why they feel tired even if they slept for seven to nine hours.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Dr. Tim Holzhauer is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep medicine and has trained extensively in dental sleep appliance therapy. With oral appliance therapy, all you have to do is wear a small mouthguard to bed, and that’s it! He’ll design it so it fits comfortably and slightly shifts your lower jaw forward. This prevents your airway from closing. You’ll not only be able to sleep more deeply, but it can also help stop snoring, which can be great news for bed partners and families.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
If you’ve been referred to Blue Back Dental for sleep apnea treatment, it’s normal to have some concerns about the road ahead. Don’t worry. Your sleep dentist will explain everything during your initial consultation and ease any apprehensions. You can also contact our office to speak with a member of our team or take a look at the most frequently asked questions about sleep apnea below.
Do I Have Sleep Apnea If I Snore?
Everyone snores occasionally. However, chronic snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea. While it isn’t always a symptom of the breathing disorder, the two are connected. Sleep apnea causes a narrowed airway from the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and throat collapsing. Snoring refers to the sound that’s created from vibrations of air passing over the tissues in your throat and the back of your mouth. Generally, occasional snoring isn’t concerning, but if it is an ongoing problem, it can be a sign of sleep apnea.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition, but you’re visiting a dentist for treatment. A dentist is trained in oral anatomy to provide a greater level of expertise. While your health insurance covered the diagnosis process, your dental coverage may be used for your oral appliance. A member of our office will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage to lower the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket.
What are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy?
An oral appliance is an effective method of treating mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It’s less restrictive and bothersome than a CPAP. An oral device is custom made to fit your mouth like a glove for enhanced comfort. Although it may feel foreign for a few days, you’ll soon forget you are wearing it. You can benefit from over a 95% reduction in sleep apnea symptoms to improve your health and quality of life when used consistently.
How Much Does Sleep Apnea Therapy Cost?
There isn’t a flat fee for sleep apnea treatment because every situation differs. After your consultation, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan. A member of our office will review your estimate and explain the fees so you know exactly what you’ll need to pay before committing to anything. Besides using your dental insurance, we accept several payment methods, including financing. Based on your credit approval, you can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan.