You turn off all electronics an hour before bed, lie down at 8 PM, and avoid caffeine entirely, but you still wake up every morning feeling like you have not slept at all. Even worse, your partner says you snore loudly every single night, meaning they feel tired all the time, too! If any of this sounds familiar, then you may have sleep apnea, a serious disorder that can rob you of your rest and even your health if left untreated. At Premier Dental in Vero Beach, Dr. Adam and Dr. Giuliana offer services to help patients overcome both of these problems. Continue reading below to discover how you may be able to enjoy better mornings and better days.
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when a person stops breathing, or has periods of reduced breathing, multiple times during sleep. These episodes, known as apneas, can occur dozens or hundreds of times in a single night!
There are two main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when tissues in the throat block the airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain fails to send proper breathing signals. OSA is much more common than CSA.
Some symptoms of OSA that you should look out for include:
On the surface, it might seem easy to conclude that sleep apnea is nothing more than a nuisance. However, the reality is that this condition can have big consequences:
CPAP therapy is a popular way to address sleep apnea; it uses a machine that forces pressurized air down the throat, thereby keeping the airway open. Unfortunately, many patients find it difficult to comply with CPAP treatment because it can be uncomfortable.
Here at Premier Dental, we offer a convenient alternative to CPAP. A custom oral appliance can slightly reposition your lower jaw during sleep, which can help to keep your airway open and prevent disruptions in breathing. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are small, noiseless, and highly portable. Many patients find them to be comfortable as well.
The cost of sleep apnea treatment depends on a few factors. When you visit us for a consultation, we will be able to share some specific numbers with you. We will also be happy to talk to you about your payment options, such as financing and insurance. It is important to remember that even though sleep apnea treatment can seem pricey, it is an investment that can protect your health and save you money in the long run!
Dental insurance covers services that relate directly to the health of your teeth and gums. Since sleep apnea is a systemic condition, you should not expect your dental insurance to cover treatment. Rather, you are much more likely to receive help from your medical insurance. Usually, testing, diagnosis, and treatment are all covered.
The two biggest factors that will influence the cost of your sleep apnea treatment include:
Sleep apnea treatment is an investment that can benefit both your health and your wallet in a couple of major ways:
Beyond insurance, there is another provision that might make it easier to afford your sleep apnea treatment: financing. Most patients are eligible for a low-interest or no-interest payment plan through CareCredit, a third-party lender. Our team can walk you through the application process if you wish; you might be approved very quickly!