Sleep Apnea Treatment – Fresno, CA

Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?

No, dental insurance does not generally cover sleep apnea treatment. That is simply because, even though Dr. Reintjes is a dentist, sleep apnea is considered to be a general medical problem. Therefore, your health insurance is much more likely to pay for a portion of the cost of your care.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Some factors that may have a bearing on the cost of your sleep apnea treatment include:

• Your medical insurance coverage. Most medical plans cover sleep apnea testing, CPAP therapy, and oral appliance therapy. Coverage levels can differ greatly depending on your policy. Also, keep in mind that you may have to get preauthorization from your insurer before they will cover your care.
• The type of care you receive. Oral appliance therapy, Vivos treatment, and other approaches to sleep apnea therapy come at different price points.

Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health

Treating your sleep apnea may require a significant amount of money upfront. However, it could save you money in the long run in at least a few different ways:

• Lower health risks. High-quality sleep is a pillar of good health. Addressing your sleep apnea may lower your risk of issues like diabetes, heart problems, and more. Therefore, it has the potential to reduce your overall medical costs.
• Lower risk of accidents. When you start getting enough rest, you will be less likely to be involved in an expensive and painful motor vehicle accident.
• Increased productivity. Being well-rested may help you perform well at work and reach your income goals.

Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable

Our team can help you file insurance claims. We are also partnered with CareCredit, a third-party lender that offers low-interest payment plans for both dental and medical services. The application process is fast, and most patients are deemed eligible for credit.

You can expect us to do all we can to make your treatment as affordable as possible!

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition that occurs when your muscles relax during sleep, allowing the soft tissue to collapse and block the airway. This can cause you to stop breathing multiple times per night for anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute. Unfortunately, repeated breathing pauses can result in reduced oxygen levels and disturbances in sleep.

Are Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea Effective?

Absolutely! Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is known to be quite effective. While other forms of treatment may have to be integrated, these oral devices ensure the airway stays uncompromised throughout the night. A significant advantage of oral appliance therapy is that it’s comfortable and does not require motorized machines, making sleeping easier and less restrictive.

How Long Does It Take to Adapt to a Sleep Apnea Appliance?

Most patients will adapt to their sleep apnea appliance within 2-7 days. This is relatively fast considering that it takes a few days to adapt to having a device in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance should not hurt your teeth at all! If your teeth do happen to feel sore following the initial use, don’t hesitate to let us know. We can easily adjust it for your comfort.

What Is the Difference Between Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy and Oral Appliance Therapy?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy involves wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth. It allows air pressure to keep the airway open while you sleep.

Meanwhile, oral appliance therapy consists of wearing a custom-fit mouthguard during sleep to support the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open airway. It’s far more comfortable than a CPAP mask because it’s custom-made to fit your mouth and is made of lightweight material. Over time, the oral appliance will be adjusted to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.