Sunday, September 19, 2010

What is the best oral appliance for treating sleep apnea?

Any appliance that eliminates sleep apnea is a "best" choice.

The TAP appliances are the most effective for severe sleep apnea. I discuss which appliance is most appropriate for each patient based on their sleep study results, overall health, dental health and many other factors.

This is why I always set up each patient for a one hour consultation to explore multiple alternatives and to help my patients make informed choices on which treatment is most effective for treating each individuals sleep disorder.

I believe each patient deserves to understand how sleep apnea occurs and all treatment alternatives not just be "sold" an Appliance.

It is also important to insure successful treatment by doing follow-up sleep studies with appliances in place to insure efficacy.

I always give a full year of necessary follow-up visits when I make a patient an appliance. Appliances are not 100% successful but with proper follow-up they are 90-95% successful and vastly prefered to CPAP. Most patients have minimal problems with appliances but a small percentage may need several problem solving appointments.

Chosing the proper appliance for each patient eliminates the majority of problems.

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