Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I have been prescribed to use a CPAP Machine by my physician to correct my sleep apnea will an oral appliance still work for me?
CPAP is the gold standard and if you are comfortably and consistently using it then we strongly encourage you to continue to do so. However if you are not using it with regularity then an oral appliance should strongly be considered. Oral appliances have been deemed to be an effective treatment option for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. A consultation with Dr. Danney in coordination with your primary care or sleep physician will help determine if this is a viable treatment option for you.
2. Will my Medical Insurance cover the cost of an oral appliance?
Medical insurance companies recognize the value and effectiveness of oral appliance therapy for treating many degrees of sleep apnea. A letter of medical necessity from your primary care or sleep physician stating your non-compliance regarding the use of CPAP can be sent to your medical insurance along with an oral appliance cost estimate and your medical benefits can then be discussed with you once the predetermination is received back.
3. Will my Dental Insurance cover the cost of an oral appliance?
No. Obstructive sleep apnea is considered a medical condition and consequently is covered by medical insurance. All visits to Dr. Danney are billed through your medical insurance provider. An oral appliance falls under the category of DME (Durable Medical Equipment) in the eyes of medical insurance companies including Medicare. However, during the course of his consultation Dr. Danney may recommend dental related treatment to make the oral appliance more effective (particularly relating to your occlusion or bite) that could be covered by dental insurance
4. Are there any health concerns to wearing an oral appliance?
Because the jaw is positioned forward with any oral appliance it is important to have a highly qualified dentist involved with your treatment in order to determine if oral appliance therapy is a proper alternative form of treatment for your specific condition. A careful evaluation of your mouth, bite, gums and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) should be taken into consideration prior to proceeding with treatment. Dr. Danney has a "Highly Qualified" designation fro the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and has been practicing general dentistry for over 40 years. He is well equipped to evaluate your condition and make the determination if oral appliance therapy is a suitable form of treatment for you and how to properly implement the therapy.
5. I see and hear adds for mouthpieces and other gadgets that will eliminate my snoring and these cost a lot less, why shouldn't I use one of these?
Sleep apnea is a very serious health condition and differs from just snoring. That is why it is important to determine whether you have this medical condition that requires appropriate medical supervision. It is also important to monitor the effectiveness of the appliance with follow up testing to make sure that the appliance is working effectively for you and doesn't require adjustments to change the position of your lower jaw. Finally, without the supervision of a highly qualified dentist, in coordination with your primary care or sleep physician, you risk doing harm to your bite and the joint for your lower jaw (TMJ).