These are special devices that can help treat sleep apnea and snoring. They can be used by themselves or in combination with Septoplasty and Turbinoplasty to provide an excellent treatment alternative to CPAP. These devices are designed and placed by Dentists and Oral Surgeons that have training and certification in Sleep Medicine. They are most effective for patients with mild to moderate Sleep Apnea or for patients who cannot tolerate or refuse to use CPAP.

Indications: Oral Airway Appliances are indicated for any patients who are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or snoring. They are designed to help keep the tongue from falling back into the throat which is a common cause of sleep apnea and snoring. They are best used for patients with mild to moderate Sleep Apnea or for patients who cannot tolerate or refuse to use CPAP. A referral will be made to an experienced and certified Dentist or Oral Surgeon who will ultimately determine if this is a viable option for you.

Preparation: A referral will be made to an experienced and certified Dentist or Oral Surgeon who will go over in detail what preparation is needed to use an oral appliance. This will typically include a comprehensive exam and fabrication of custom molds to help design your device.

What to expect during use: There is definitely a period of time involved that it takes to get used to sleeping with an Oral Airway Appliance and they may need to be adjusted if not comfortable. If you decide to proceed with an oral appliance then close follow up with the Dentist or Oral Surgeon will be needed to make sure it is working properly and address any problems you may experience.

Follow Up: It is very important that a repeat Home Sleep Study be done to make sure that the Oral Airway Appliance is working properly. Periodic follow up studies will also be done to ensure that good long-term outcomes are being achieved. If you decide to proceed with an Oral Airway Appliance, then close follow up with the Dentist or Oral Surgeon will be needed to make sure it is working properly and address any problems you may experience.

Costs: Dr Jafri only works with Dentists and Oral Surgeons that accept insurances to help cover the costs of Oral Airway appliances. The respective offices you will be referred to will work closely with you to get insurance approval.

Risks: All treatments have inherent risks, benefits, alternatives and complications associated with them and to the specific individual patient being treated. The Dentist or Oral Surgeon will review these with you in detail and answer any questions you have before you proceed with any treatment plan and as part of the process of whether to proceed or not.