FAQs

Q: What are the chances of success with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?
A: Dr. Priemer is proud of his success rate for treating Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). As with any medical treatment, there are no guarantees, but during initial consultation, after reviewing your diagnostic sleep study, and after clinical examination, your chances of successful treatment will be outlined to you so that you can make an informed decision.

Q: Is it as effective as CPAP?
A: While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP) is considered the gold standard of care for severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), OAT has been recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) as first line of treatment for primary snoring, mild and moderate OSA, and severe OSA if CPAP is not an option. Studies have demonstrated that CPAP has almost 100% efficacy if worn by patients, but the degree of compliance is much lower than OAT. Therefore OAT compares favorably with CPAP for total treatment effectiveness.

Q: Can I travel with it?
A: A big advantage of OAT over CPAP is its portability for travel. CPAP is bulkier and heavier, requires an electrical source and generally needs distilled water to function. Oral appliances (OAs) have none of these problems. Indeed we have provided OAs to many successful CPAP wearers who only want an OA for travel.

Q: What side effects can I expect?
A: Side effects include sore teeth, muscles and Temporomandibular Joints(TMJ) as well as excess salivation and occasional dry mouth. With certain OAs individual teeth may move. As well, in a small percentage of patients, the way the teeth bite together may change. The expertise of the dentist is important in preventing and/or managing these side effects.

Q: When can I stop using the OA?
A: It is not likely that OSA will decrease with age, and therefore OAT will be a lifelong therapy. However certain medical conditions (such as deviated nasal septums) can be corrected surgically and possibly decrease the need for OAT. As well, since obesity is a major contributing factor to SDB, weight loss may “cure” OSA. Of course, this should be confirmed with a polysomnogram(sleep study).

Q: Can MY dentist do this?
A: While it is true that any dentist can make an OA, The AASM states that the chances of successful treatment are directly related to the expertise of the providing dentist. The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, the governing body for dentists in this province, suggests that dentists attempting this treatment should be appropriately trained. Before proceeding with treatment for this potentially serious medical condition, you should be comfortable with the training and experience of the provider.

Q: I just snore-do I have to see my doctor first?
A: Yes. You must see your family physician first to determine the nature of the problem. Most people are surprised when told they have sleep apnea, so it’s important to rule this out before treatment begins.

Q: Is Oral Appliance Therapy covered by my insurance?
A: Your decision to proceed with your OA should be based on your HEALTH, not your insurance coverage. Our experienced staff can help you determine your insurance coverage. We will provide claim forms and predetermination of benefit forms and submit them electronically, if possible. We have been treating this condition since 1995 and our experienced staff have learned the appropriate way to deal with insurance companies to maximize your coverage, even in situations where predeterminations are initially rejected.

If you have any other questions, which have not been outlined here or to book an appointment, please contact us today at 416.224.9998.