Sleep apnea oral appliances
a CPAP alternative.

Who It's For

Who oral appliance therapy is for.

• Mild to moderate sleep apnea

  Adults diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

• Patients who can't tolerate CPAP

  Patients with obstructive sleep apnea who can't use CPAP, when their physician agrees an oral appliance is appropriate.

• A physician diagnosis first

  Treatment starts after a physician diagnoses sleep apnea, usually with a sleep study. We refer you for testing.

• Snorers with warning signs

  Loud snoring with pauses in breathing, gasping, or daytime sleepiness can be signs of sleep apnea. We'll refer you for a sleep test.

FAQ

Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances — questions answered.

• Is oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea covered by insurance?

  It depends on your medical plan. We bill your medical insurance and request pre-authorization before treatment, but we can't promise coverage or what your plan will pay. Payment is due up front. Every case is different — we’ll give you a written estimate at your consultation, and we’re happy to check your insurance benefits.

• How long does oral appliance therapy take?

  It happens over several visits: the sleep test and diagnosis with your physician, a Primescan digital scan, the appliance fitting, adjustment visits, and a follow-up sleep test. How long it takes depends on your sleep testing, insurance pre-authorization, and how many adjustments you need — we'll walk you through it at your consultation.

• Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?

  CPAP is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. An oral appliance is an option for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for patients who can't tolerate CPAP — it isn't a replacement for CPAP in severe sleep apnea. Treatment decisions are made with your physician, and a follow-up sleep test checks how well the appliance is working for you.

• Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance?

  Yes. A physician diagnosis is required before we can treat sleep apnea, and that usually means a sleep study. We don't do sleep testing in our office; we refer you for the test.

• Will an oral appliance help my snoring?

  Oral appliances often reduce snoring too, because they help keep the airway open. But the appliance is treating your sleep apnea, and quieter snoring alone doesn't show it's working — that's what the follow-up sleep test with your physician is for. If you snore but don't have sleep apnea, see snoring devices.

• Which sleep apnea appliance is right for me?

  We use Panthera, EMA, TAP, and ProSomnus appliances. The right one depends on your mouth, your jaw, and your diagnosis. Dr. Mark or Dr. Field will go over the options with you at your consultation.

• Do you see sleep apnea patients from Pueblo?

  Yes. Our office is in Pueblo West, about 20 minutes from downtown Pueblo, at 332 S Orchard Springs Dr, Suite 110, Pueblo West, CO 81007. Call (719) 647-9433 to schedule, or send a request and we'll call you to set up a time.

• What's the difference between a snoring device and a sleep apnea appliance?

  Snoring can happen with or without sleep apnea. A sleep apnea appliance treats a diagnosed medical condition, so it requires a physician's diagnosis and is billed to medical insurance. See snoring devices.