Alternatives to a CPAP Machine | Sleep Apnea Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

What is Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea? 

Oral Appliance Therapy is an effective CPAP alternative. These custom-fitted mouthpieces gently move your jaw forward to open your airway during sleep. They’re comfortable, quiet and easy to use. 

With regular use of an oral appliance, you can experience drastically improved sleep quality and daytime alertness. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and energized instead of drowsy and irritable. 

Oral appliance therapy provides a simple, non-invasive solution for sleep apnea so you can get the restorative sleep you need and deserve. When you’re ready to try something other than a CPAP for a comfortable, natural-feeling treatment, oral appliances could be the perfect alternative for you. Schedule a consultation today to find out if this innovative option could be right for your needs.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) offers an effective alternative to CPAP for treating sleep apnea. Unlike CPAP, OAT is:

• Discreet and Portable: The mouthpiece is nearly invisible and won’t disrupt your bed partner. It’s also lightweight and portable, so you can easily travel with it. No more lugging around a CPAP machine!
• Comfortable: A custom oral appliance is molded to fit your mouth for maximum comfort. It won’t cause irritation from mask straps or tubing. Many people find OAT more natural and easier to get used to than CPAP.
• Quiet: There are no noisy pumps or hoses to disturb your sleep. OAT is a silent treatment so you and your bed partner can sleep soundly through the night.

OAT may be an option if you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or severe sleep apnea if you are unable to use a cpap machine. At Agave Sleep & Wellness in Phoenix, Dr. Hamann will evaluate your sleep apnea severity and oral anatomy to determine if you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy. She will work closely with you to find a solution that improves your sleep quality in a way that fits your needs and lifestyle. Isn’t it time you said goodbye to your CPAP and hello to a good night’s rest?

Who Can Benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy?

If you’ve tried a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea but found it uncomfortable or difficult to use, oral appliance therapy may be a great option for you. Oral appliances are designed to open your airway during sleep by gently moving your jaw forward in order to prevent airway collapse and reduce snoring. Nearly anyone with sleep apnea can benefit from this alternative treatment method.

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can help improve your sleep, reduce daytime drowsiness, enhance your mood and cognitive abilities, and lower health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Your bed partner may also appreciate the reduction in snoring and other sleep-disordered breathing events.

At Agave Sleep & Wellness, we will evaluate your sleep apnea severity and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for oral appliance therapy. If selected, we will custom fit you for an oral appliance and ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. 

Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea in Phoenix: Pros and Cons

As with any treatment, there will be benefits and drawbacks to consider before committing. At Agave Sleep & Wellness, we’ll discuss any concerns you may have regarding oral appliance therapy, but below are a few points to consider.

Pros:

• Adherence/Compliance: The oral appliance offers an advantage in terms of patient adherence and compliance with sleep apnea treatment. 
• Portability/Travel: It is highly portable, making it convenient for individuals who frequently travel or are always on the go 
• Non-Claustrophobic: Unlike a CPAP machine, the oral appliance does not create a sense of claustrophobia, making it more comfortable for some users
• Noise: The oral appliance operates quietly, ensuring a peaceful sleep environment 
• Cost: Compared to other treatment options, the oral appliance may be a more cost-effective choice 

Cons:

• Lack of Digital Usage Tracking: Unlike a CPAP machine, most oral appliances do not have the ability to digitally track usage, which may be important for some patients 
• Potential Jaw Soreness: Some users may experience soreness in the jaw due to prolonged use of the oral appliance
• Mouth Breathing: In some cases, the oral appliance may lead to mouth breathing, resulting in symptoms such as dry throat, soreness, or cracked lips

What is the Cost of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea in Phoenix?

An oral appliance is often considered one of the most cost-effective options for treating sleep apnea, especially when compared to surgery or a cpap machine. The cost of the appliance will vary depending on the patient’s specific condition and the type of appliance needed. 

It’s important to note that the cost of the oral appliance is influenced by factors such as the patient’s medical insurance coverage. The patient will be responsible for the cost of treating their ongoing medical condition of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring, which involves more than just the delivery of the appliance. Dr. Hamann and team will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s airway and use a CBCT scan to rule out any other potential issues affecting patients’ sleep-disordered breathing and airway obstruction. 

During the patient’s “Global Period,” which lasts for 90 days, the patient will be seen as many times as necessary to determine the optimal position of the lower jaw with the oral appliance. This ensures that the patient receives the maximum medical benefits. Dr. Hamann will also provide follow-up screening sleep studies to monitor and confirm that the patient is achieving the best possible results. 

Additionally, at Agave Sleep & Wellness, we maintain communication with the patient’s physicians and schedule a 6-month visit, followed by an annual visit, to assess the effectiveness of the treatment, check the condition of the appliance, and ensure that the patient continues to experience minimal to no side effects.

Will My Insurance Cover an Oral Appliance?

Yes, most of the time the oral appliance is covered by medical insurance, as we are treating a medical condition.

Finding the Right Sleep Apnea Specialist for Oral Appliance Therapy in Phoenix, AZ

Finding the right specialist for your oral appliance therapy in Phoenix is key to getting the sleep treatment you need and the results you want. Dr. Beth Hamann has more than 10 years of experience treating sleep apnea and snoring with oral appliances and is a board-certified sleep medicine dentist, one of only a few in Arizona. 

She stays up to date with the latest techniques and technologies to ensure her patients receive the best care. For example, Agave Sleep & Wellness utilizes digital impressions with the iTero scanner instead of messy impression material. This creates a fast, comfortable experience without fear of gagging.

Dr. Hamann’s expertise and experience, combined with the latest treatments, make her an excellent choice for sleep apnea oral appliance therapy in Phoenix. She takes the time to understand your concerns and goals to find the solution that will help you sleep better and improve your quality of life.