At Sachem Dental Group in Long Island, we know that a healthy smile goes beyond just your teeth. Sometimes it includes things like the cost of sleep apnea treatment. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that affects more people than you might imagine and it ties back to your oral anatomy. Conditions like sleeping disorders not only impacts your energy and quality of life, but can also have a significant impact on your overall health. That’s why we screen for OSA on a routine basis.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It leads to disrupted sleep patterns and a range of associated symptoms, including daytime side-effects. The word “apnea” itself means “without breath”.
There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome (also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea or mixed sleep apnea).
OSA, the most prevalent form of sleep disordered breathing, occurs when soft tissues or the muscles in your throat relax and block off your airway, causing you to stop breathing. CSA, on the other hand, is caused by a lack of respiratory effort by the brain during sleep. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of both OSA and CSA.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, weight gain, depression, a large neck circumference, and restless sleep. Some—but not all—people with sleep apnea also snore at night.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, including a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke. The fatigue may also put you at a higher risk of automobile and work-related accidents.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have obstructive sleep apnea, it is important to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis. A sleep study, either conducted at a sleep center or using a home sleep test, can help confirm the presence and severity of sleep apnea.
Dental Costs of Sleep Apnea: Linked Conditions
One of the telltale signs of sleep apnea is teeth clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism. This involuntary habit puts excessive pressure on your teeth, causing them to become worn down over time. The excess wear can also lead to broken dental work and associated cost of sleep apnea in addition to repairing your teeth.
Hidden Health Cost of Sleep Apnea
The consequences of untreated sleep apnea extend beyond dental problems. Sleep apnea is linked to several health conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Treating sleep apnea can help alleviate these conditions and potentially reduce healthcare costs in the long run. By investing in sleep apnea treatment, you are not only improving your sleep quality but also safeguarding your overall well-being. A holistic approach—treating both conditions jointly—offers the best and most affordable results for our Long Island patients and can reduce the cost of sleep apnea treatment.
Paying for an Oral Sleep Appliance
One of the effective treatment options for sleep apnea is an oral sleep appliance, also known as a mandibular advancement device. This custom-made sleep mouthguard is designed to keep your airway open during sleep, preventing the tissue obstruction that leads to apnea episodes. While the cost of an oral appliance may vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of your case and your insurance coverage, it is generally considered a worthwhile investment. Especially when you compare it to a CPAP machine.
Which is Cheaper — CPAP or an Oral Appliance?
Many people wonder whether a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or an oral appliance is the more affordable. While CPAP machines are commonly prescribed for sleep apnea, they can be cumbersome and uncomfortable, not to mention hard to travel with. CPAP machines require special maintenance, including filter replacements, pressure calibration, distilled water, and regular equipment checks, which can add to the overall cost.
On the other hand, oral appliances offer a more comfortable and convenient solution for managing sleep apnea without bulky equipment. Although the initial cost may be higher than a typical mouthguard, the long-term benefits, improved comfort, and overall ease of use make oral appliances an attractive choice for many patients. They’re simply easier to use.
Are Sleep Studies Expensive?
Sleep studies are needed to formally diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity. Traditionally, sleep studies used to be conducted in sleep clinics or specialized facilities, which meant staying somewhere overnight and associated testing costs. However, advancements in technology have led to the development of home sleep study options. These studies allow you to complete the assessment in the comfort of your own home instead of at a lab. Home sleep studies are a cost-effective and less-stressful alternative for diagnosing sleep apnea, making it more accessible for our Suffolk County sleep apnea patients.
Will My Insurance Cover Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
The coverage for sleep apnea treatment varies depending on your insurance provider and the specific plan you have. Many medical insurance plans recognize sleep apnea as a medical condition and offer coverage for diagnosis and treatment. Dental insurance plans may also provide coverage for certain aspects of sleep apnea treatment, such as oral appliances or necessary dental work.
We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand the extent of coverage available to you. The treatment coordinators at Sachem Dental Group can assist you in navigating your insurance benefits and claims to help find the best solutions for your budget.
The total costs involved may include initial assessments, sleep studies, equipment, follow-up appointments, and potential ongoing maintenance. It is important to consult with licensed sleep specialists or sleep dentistry providers like the team at Sachem Dental Group to understand the specific costs associated with sleep disorder treatment and explore available financial options.
Schedule Your Sleep Dentistry Treatment in Suffolk County
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea or are already diagnosed with a sleeping disorder, professional treatment could help save your life. At Sachem Dental Group, our experienced sleep dentistry team is committed to providing personalized care for sleep apnea patients in Suffolk County. We offer comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis, and tailored treatment options, including oral appliances, to help you achieve a restful night’s sleep. Call us today to reserve an appointment.