Sleep Apnea Therapy – Fairfax, VA
Stop Snoring & Start Sleeping Deeply
Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea and its exhausting side effects, which include chronic fatigue, loud snoring, and difficulty focusing on everyday tasks. In fact, it is estimated that 20 million people suffer from this condition, many of which go without any treatment. If you suffer from poor sleep combined with chronic snoring, chances are good that you could benefit from snoring prevention and sleep apnea therapy. As an expert in all things related to your mouth, your dentist is especially qualified to provide this treatment so you can achieve the high-quality rest you need to succeed with sleep apnea therapy in Fairfax, VA!
Why Sleep Apnea Occurs
The most common form of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the soft and hard oral tissues collapse and block the proper flow of air through the throat. Loud, chronic snoring occurs as a result of this blockage — and, without the oxygen it needs to survive, the brain sends out an emergency signal to wake the body up and resume breathing. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may have their sleep interrupted hundreds of times a night.
The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is being overweight or obese, while factors like age, alcohol use, and certain medications can also cause or aggravate the effects of sleep apnea.
Options for Sleep Apnea Therapy
The treatment for sleep apnea has traditionally relied on a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which requires the patient to wear a small nasal mask during sleep. Air is pushed into the lungs to keep the throat clear and prevent interruptions throughout the night. Unfortunately, many find this solution to be more distracting than the original symptoms of sleep apnea. When CPAP therapy proves ineffective, your dentist may recommend a customized sleep apnea appliance. Fixed and adjustable varieties are available, depending on your unique needs and preferences.
TAP® 3 (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) Sleep Apnea Appliance
This option is small, comfortable, and fits over your teeth in the same way as an athletic sportsguard. It works by bringing the jaw forward, holding it in place to prevent the collapse of the soft oral tissues. Because it is adjustable, the TAP 3 offers the best fit for many patients.
OASYS Sleep Apnea Appliance
This option repositions the jawbone, opening up the airway to prevent the blockage that causes snoring and interrupted sleep.
Klearway Sleep Apnea Appliance
The Klearway Appliance is pliable when you run it under warm water, which means that you can easily adjust it to the particular dimensions of your mouth. It will move the jaw forward .25 millimeters at a time, gradually bringing it to the ideal position.
Herbst Telescopic Sleep Apnea Appliance
Best for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, this option is held in place using clasps and grips. You can even move your mouth up and down and side to side without having to remove the appliance.
Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
At Fairfax Dental Group, we offer multiple oral appliance therapy options, allowing you to choose the best one for your overall needs. Our team is here to support you through every step of your treatment with clear and compassionate guidance. We accept dental insurance and provide flexible financing, ensuring you can access the care you need at an affordable cost. To learn more about the expected cost of sleep apnea treatment in Fairfax, continue reading!
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
We get it – dental insurance can be confusing. It can be especially challenging to navigate insurance coverage for sleep apnea treatment. Since this disorder is not classified as a medical condition, most dental plans do not offer coverage for this treatment. In some cases, patients can use their medical insurance for services such as oral appliance therapy.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Are you considering sleep apnea treatment? If so, there are several factors that can influence the cost. Here are some key elements to keep in mind:
- Sleep Study – An official diagnosis is required before treatment, which involves a sleep study that comes at its own cost.
- Insurance Coverage – Coverage for sleep apnea treatment varies among insurance plans and can significantly affect your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Treatment Options – The most common treatments are CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy, each with different initial and long-term costs. Oral appliance therapy often proves to be more economical.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health
Wondering whether it’s worth undergoing a sleep study and seeing a sleep doctor for an official sleep apnea diagnosis? The answer is easy – absolutely! Untreated sleep apnea can significantly impact both your body and brain, increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, depression, drowsy driving, weight gain, acid reflux, memory loss, and hyperglycemia.
These conditions not only reduce your quality of life but also lead to higher healthcare costs. By addressing sleep apnea early, you can prevent these serious health issues and avoid expensive medical bills, making treatment the most cost-effective and health-conscious choice.
Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable
Our team accepts dental insurance plans and will file claims on your behalf to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, we offer flexible financing options through CareCredit to make your treatment more affordable. Take advantage of these resources to ensure you receive the care you need without financial stress.
Sleep Apnea (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) FAQs
Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
You might naturally wonder why you’d need to see a dentist for a condition related to sleep, but the fact is that as dentists we have a strong understanding of how the sinuses and airways connect together. This means that we are sometimes able to tell when something is wrong with your breathing, and by looking at the soft tissues in the mouth we may be able to give you a sense of whether sleep apnea could be a problem for you.
Most people tend to see their dentist more often than they’ll see a sleep doctor, which means that they’re a good first person to ask if you’re concerned about sleep apnea.
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
Not at all! Snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, but it’s far from the only one—you can snore without sleep apnea, and you can have sleep apnea without snoring.
Women and younger children in particular tend to present with sleep apnea without actually snoring, instead suffering more from the other physiological and psychological effects of poor sleep. The only way to know conclusively whether or not you have this issue is to conduct a sleep study.
Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?
While the condition is more common in older people, children can in fact suffer from sleep apnea. In fact, it’s believed that anywhere from 1-8% of them do to some extent.
Children’s sleep apnea tends to look a little different than when it presents in older adults; their symptoms may include bed-wetting, sleep terrors, and an inability to focus due to poor sleep. If your child suffers from these issues, it may be worth having them undertake a sleep study.
How Can I Travel with Sleep Apnea?
You might be aware that sleep apnea is typically treated with a CPAP machine, which is a large air pump that forces oxygen into the airways as you sleep. This treatment is exceedingly effective at treating sleep apnea, but the bulky nature of the machine makes it a little bit difficult to travel with.
For this reason, many people prefer oral appliances, which can subtly change the position of the jaw to improve the symptoms associated with sleep apnea. These oral appliances are easy to travel with, which makes it easy to deal with your condition on the go.