Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Apnea?

Recent studies have shown that 1 in 4 adults in the United States (31% of all men and 21% of all women over 18) are at “high risk” for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (based on analysis of the National Sleep Foundation’s 2005 Sleep in America survey). It is estimated that the American public spends over $3 billion every year on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea! This is a serious health issue affecting millions of Americans.

Is treatment comfortable?

Most people easily adapt to wearing a dental sleep device at night. After wearing the device for a short period of time it will become part of your routine, and most people will hate to go to sleep without it after they realize how much better they feel in the morning.

Compliance rates for dental sleep therapy are much higher than for other forms of non-surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. In other words, patients are much more likely to use a dental device successfully than any other form of treatment. Most scientific studies show that up to 95% of individuals will comfortably wear their devices nightly.

Once patients experience better sleep and improved health associated with use of a dental device, it is rare for someone to stop using it. Many of our dental sleep experts wear dental devices every night, and they know firsthand the benefits of dental device use. One dental sleep expert says “I can’t sleep properly without it, and my dental device is always the first thing I pack when going on a trip”. Click here to find a dental sleep expert near you.

Can my physician or regular dentist make my dental device?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends dental sleep devices as a first line of treatment option for anyone who has mild to moderate apnea and for anyone (even patients with severe apnea) who cannot tolerate CPAP. The AASM states that these devices should be made by a dentist who has had specialty training in the field of sleep medicine. This prohibits physicians from making the dental devices, and your device should only be made by dentists with proper training. Our dental sleep experts are highly trained in the field of dental sleep medicine, and we work closely with your physician to make sure that your dental sleep therapy is medically successful.

How long do dental sleep devices last?

Longevity of dental sleep devices is highly dependent on the person using the device, and depends on the specific device made, forces placed on the device, and your care of the device. If the device is well-maintained, it should easily last for two to five years before needing to be replaced. Most medical insurance providers will pay for construction of a new dental sleep device every two years and their longevity can be from one to many years in length.

Each type of device provided by a dental sleep expert has its own warranty, and typically any problems with the device during the first year are covered by the cost of your initial treatment fee. If after the first year a dental sleep device needs repair or to be reconstructed, the replacement fee is less than the initial cost of the device (learn about dental devices here).

Is dental device therapy covered by my medical insurance?

Many times the cost for your dental sleep therapy is covered or supplemented by medical insurance (not dental insurance). Your dental sleep expert’s office is trained and experienced to help you obtain your maximum medical benefits at minimum cost to you.

Click here to find a provider near you!

How much does it cost?

Our dental sleep experts have been trained according to the highest standards, and all providers adhere to proven protocols and best-in-class treatment standards. Fees for the treatments of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring with dental sleep therapy vary depending on the particular treatment delivered, and on the individual office and geographic location. In many cases, medical insurance will reimburse you for some or all of the total treatment cost (learn about medical insurance here).

We invite you to visit a dental sleep experts office near you for a no-obligation consultation to see if you are a candidate for dental sleep therapy (click here to find a provider near you!). During this visit, fees associated with your individual treatment needs and particular insurance plan will be discussed. By providing the highest quality care at the lowest possible cost, our dental sleep experts seek to provide unmatched patient care.

Why choose a dental sleep expert?

Treating snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with dental sleep devices requires specialty training. It isn’t just a matter making a mouth piece and pushing you out the door. Successful treatment begins with choosing a dentist that has the proper specialty training in Dental Sleep Medicine. Success also relies on having the proper systems and clinical experience needed to effectively implement dental sleep therapy treatment. Learn more about Obstructive Sleep Apnea here.

Founders of the company, Dr. Yatros and Dr. Drake are leaders in the field of dental sleep medicine and have between them over 20 years of experience in treating sleep disorders with dental sleep devices. They are both Diplomates of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), which is a distinction for an elite group of only about 100 dentists across the United States who have completed advanced certification for treatment of sleep disordered breathing. Your dental sleep expert has been given the most advanced training in dental sleep medicine available, with strong emphasis on patient care. Your dental sleep expert follows rigid protocols for making high-quality, adjustable custom-made dental sleep devices that have been tried and tested to insure successful treatment of your Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or snoring. Learn about dental sleep devices here.

We also have a network of employees to work as liaisons for your medical team. Our staff works closely with your local physician to ensure a team approach in your treatment. The company has gained the respect of physicians across the United States for delivering quality, team-oriented medical treatment.

Our company has an ongoing commitment to ensure the latest advances and FDA approved materials are tested and delivered to our patients. Our team is solely devoted to continued improvement and delivery of the most current and optimal solutions for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with dental sleep devices. With our network of resources, you can rest assured that your dental sleep expert receives continuous and regularly updated training on the state-of-the-art treatments available for your snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Our dental sleep experts are committed to helping identify and treat those afflicted with this serious disorder. Through our group efforts we will exceed what anyone could accomplish individually.

Can I keep seeing my existing dentist?

Yes! We encourage you to continue to see your existing dentist for routine and preventative dental care. The goal of your dental sleep expert is to successfully treat your snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Although it is necessary for your dental sleep expert to evaluate your teeth, their goals and your normal dentist’s goals are very different.

A dental sleep expert evaluates your teeth to insure that they are stable enough for dental sleep therapy and generally do not perform routine preventative care. Our hard working employees work closely with your existing dentist and other medical providers, and we forward copies of any pertinent records or x-rays that were completed during your visit to help in future treatment. We work hard to provide the best possible treatment to you by providing coordinated patient care.

Can you make an appliance just for snoring?

Yes, dental sleep devices work quite well at reducing the sound and severity of snoring. However, if you are a snorer and have never had a sleep test it is advisable to be screened or tested for the more serious disorder of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) (learn about OSA here). Many snorers also have obstructive sleep apnea, often without even realizing it.

If a diagnosis of made of Primary Snoring then a dental sleep device can be made to control the sound and severity of your snoring. Usually, the procedures needed to treat snoring are simpler than for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. This often results in fewer office visits and follow-up observations for people whose primary symptom is snoring.

Do I need a custom device and why can’t I just order one off TV?

Substantial scientific evidence indicates that custom-made adjustable dental sleep devices are far more effective and comfortable than self-fitting, “boil and bite” devices that sometimes appear on television commercials. The self-fitting devices are typically much larger, which decreases their effectiveness because the device may actually obstruct your airway during sleep. Most “as seen on TV” self-fitting devices are not adjustable, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Successful dental sleep therapy is extremely dependent on precise adjustments of the dental sleep device. Without this ability to finely adjust the device, treatment success rates drop dramatically.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious and life threatening medical disorder. It is unwise to treat obstructive sleep apnea or any other serious medical problem without proper medical supervision and guidance. Failure to seek medical supervision and ‘do it yourself’ can have serious medical risks, and can lead you to believe the problem is fixed when in fact it is not.

If I have TMJ (jaw) problems can I still wear a dental sleep device?

The answer to this question is unique for each patient, but most patients who have TMJ (jaw joint) problems can be treated successfully with a dental device. Many people incorrectly believe that they are not candidates for a dental sleep device if they have TMJ or jaw disorders. In some instances dental sleep devices not recommended when certain TMJ or jaw disorders are present, but often these problems will not prevent treatment with dental sleep devices. Use of some dental appliances can sometimes even improve TMJ symptoms.

For the cases where there are TMJ and jaw concerns, there are several types of dental sleep devices available that don not move the jaw forward and have little effect on the jaw joint. If you have jaw problems, your dental sleep expert will be happy to discuss your TMJ concerns and help decide whether you are a good candidate for dental sleep therapy.

What can you expect from a dental sleep expert?

Dental sleep solutions dentist working with patient We are here to answer any questions that you may have about treating your snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with dental sleep therapy. During your initial call or visit, you may be asked to provide us with health information so we can better understand your snoring or sleep disordered breathing problem. If you have already completed a sleep study, you will need to provide the contact information for your physician so our team can obtain a copy of your sleep report prior to your arrival. You will also be asked to complete a patient information page online, or bring a paper copy with you for your appointment. Once your information is we will make an appointment for a free consultation with the most conveniently located dental sleep expert in your area. Successful treatment of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) using dental sleep therapy relies on seeking treatment from a properly trained dentist who adheres to the latest standards of treatment.

While treatment varies for each individual, below is an overview of what you can expect during treatment of your snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

1st Appointment – Free Consultation (approximately 45 minutes)

Prior to your arrival, our team will review all of your previously-obtained documentation, like sleep studies and patient information. This information is vital to help your dental sleep expert understand your needs and to better help address all of your symptoms and concerns.
At your initial appointment, you will meet your dental sleep expert and his or her team. They will review your concerns and the reasons you are seeking treatment or clinical advice. Our team will help ensure that you have a complete understanding of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) including the causes, diagnosis, and medical ramifications for this serious disorder. Our team will also review the risks, benefits and alternative of the various treatments available for treatment of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Once you have a thorough knowledge of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and our team has answered all of your questions then a limited oral exam may take place. The purpose of the examination is to assess the anatomy of your upper airway, the condition and stability of the teeth and TMJ (jaw joint), and to evaluate the range of motion of the jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for dental sleep therapy. Based on his or her observations, your dental sleep expert will be able to determine which type of dental sleep device will work best for your particular situation, and to discuss the likely outcomes of treatment.
If you have not previously had a sleep study, then our team will discuss the various options for having a sleep study.
If it is determined that you are a good candidate for a dental sleep therapy, our team will discuss insurance, financial arrangements, and make an appointment to begin treatment.
- Regardless of whether or not treatment is scheduled, the findings of your dental sleep expert will be sent to your physicians so they can discuss them at your next checkup.
- This appointment will be at no cost to you, although we may bill your medical insurance and accept their payments with your permission.

2nd Appointment – Begin Treatment (approximately 1 to 1.5 hrs)

Your dental sleep expert will work closely with your regular dentist. However, the treatment goals of your dental sleep expert are not the same as your regular dentist. He or she will evaluate your teeth to insure they are stable enough to secure a dental sleep device, but will not generally perform an exam for preventative dental care. You should see your regular dentist for routine dental services. If your regular dentist has current x-rays, then our team will obtain a copy prior to your visit. Our team will also obtain any necessary insurance pre-authorizations and medical documentation prior to your appointment.
Your appointment will consist of an examination of your oral dentition (teeth), soft tissues, airway, occlusion (bite), TMJ (jaw joint) and range of motion of your jaw. Any needed x-rays will be taken and digital photographs of your teeth and oral cavity will be completed. Impressions (molds) and a bite registration will be made. This mold will be used to fabricate your custom-made dental sleep device.
Your dental sleep expert will help select the most appropriate custom-made dental sleep device for your particular situation, and he or she will review the risks, benefits, and alternatives of treatment.
A follow-up appointment will be made for 3 to 4 weeks for delivery of your dental sleep device.

3rd Appointment – Delivery of device (approximately 45 minutes)

Your custom dental sleep device will have arrived and be ready for use. Your dental sleep expert will insert the device into your mouth and check it for fit, comfort and stability. Minor adjustments of the dental sleep device may be made to ensure a perfect fit. Once adequately fitted, you will be given instructions on the wearing and care of the device, as well what to expect during the first few weeks of wear.
During your next few weeks, your initial symptoms will be reviewed and you will be asked to keep track of your symptoms.
You will be given a copy of all of the information gathered in your previous appointment including x-rays in the form of your report. Our staff will insure that this information is also sent to your physicians and regular dentist.
Your next appointment is usually scheduled for 1 to 4 weeks after you receive the dental sleep device. Any concerns prior to the next appointment are happily addressed by phone or by seeing your dental sleep expert in person.

4th Appointment – 1st Device evaluation (30 to 45 minutes)

After you have started your dental sleep therapy treatment, your dental sleep expert’s team will check to ensure that your dental appliance is being worn comfortably every night. Any areas of concern will be addressed, and questions that you have will be answered. Your symptoms will be discussed and documentation of improvement will be made.
No further advancement or adjustment of the dental sleep device will be made unless you have already been wearing it for a month or more. Due to inflammation caused from snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the effectiveness of dental sleep devices steadily improves over the first month of use. Therefore, advancing or adjusting the dental sleep device is usually not recommended until the device has been worn for one month or longer.

5th Appointment – 2nd Device evaluation (30 to 45 minutes)

After you are successfully wearing your dental sleep device, the next treatment goal is to correct your subjective symptoms and to also document objective success of treatment your Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). We initially adjust your device based on subjective symptoms. It may require no adjustments after the initial placement, or it make take many small adjustments. Your dental sleep expert’s team is trained and dedicated to obtain the best position for your dental sleep device. Once your dental sleep expert’s team feels your dental sleep device is adjusted adequately for relief of your symptoms, you will be given a portable home sleep test to scientifically ensure that your Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is being controlled. Depending on the results of the initial test, you may need to repeat the portable home sleep test multiple times as your device is adjusted.

Additional Appointments – Device evaluation (10 to 45 minutes)

Follow-up appointments for health evaluation and dental device treatment success are typically conducted on a semi-annual basis, or as-needed with your dental sleep expert.