Dental Sleep Medicine Options Offered by Dr. Robert Sattler

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is now considered to be the preferred method of therapy by leading medical sleep experts for mild to moderate apnea, as well as for bothersome, persistent snoring.

Oral Appliance Therapy involves the selection, design, fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance that, when worn during sleep, maintains an opened and unobstructed airway in the throat. These appliances are worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards.

Oral appliances work in several ways, by…

• Repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula
• Stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue
• Increasing the muscle tone of the tongue

According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), there are more than 40 different oral appliance designs to choose from, and only a specially trained and experienced dentist (like Dr. Sattler) can determine the best fit for the unique structure and anatomy of your throat, tongue, mouth and palate, as well as the exact nature of your sleep disorder.

Oral Appliance Therapy offers a number of advantages over other treatment options:

• The appliances are small, comfortable and easy to carry when traveling. Most people find that it only takes a couple of weeks to acclimate to wearing the appliance.
• Unlike other treatment options, there is no noise with Oral Application Therapy, which offers a more restful sleep for you and your partner.
• There is no surgery required, which greatly minimizes any complications.
• This is a customized solution based on your unique combination of conditions (rather than a “one size fits all” approach) which is developed by a specially trained dentist who is familiar with various designs of appliances and can best determine which is better suited for you.
• In many cases, the Oral Appliance Therapy is covered by medical insurance, minimizing your out-of-pocket costs. (Insurance reimbursements differ from plan to plan; be sure to check with your medical insurance company to determine your coverage).
• Treatment with oral appliance is reversible and non-invasive.
• OAT can be used in conjunction with other treatment recommendations, such as lifestyles changes (i.e. weight loss, change in eating schedules/habits, smoking cessation) for a more holistic solution.

Once your snoring is reduced and the symptoms subside, a follow-up sleep study is recommended to ensure that the appliance is properly fitted and working well.

Don’t spend another day dealing with the impact of snoring and other sleep-related disorders on your health and your relationship. Contact Dr. Sattler today to schedule a personal consultation by calling 215-357-0476. Or Click Here to submit an online contact form.

Finally an Alternative to CPAP!

In the past, patients suffering with sleep related disorder were often prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. However, many people find the CPAP to be very bothersome and uncomfortable. The devise (pictured below) includes a tightly fitted facial mask with straps around the head. A separate electrical unit pumps air though a hose that is attached to the mask. Patients have reported that they experience interrupted sleep because of the noise of the air pump, and can also experience other uncomfortable side effects such as chronic nasal congestion, eye and skin irritations, and dry throat.

Studies show that as few as 40% of patients using CPAP devices continue to use them over time.

Thankfully, CPAP intolerant patients now have an alternative – Oral Appliance Therapy offered through specially trained dentists like Dr. Sattler. Say goodbye to your CPAP, and hello to a restful night sleep. Contact Dr. Sattler today to schedule a personal consultation by phone (215-357-0476) or through our online contact form.