Sleep Apnea Treatment
Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to drops in blood oxygen, fragmented rest, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Left untreated, it significantly increases the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cognitive impairment. At Blanc Dental Aesthetics, our board-certified Diplomates collaborate with your physician to deliver personalized, mask-free oral appliance therapy, CPAP alternatives, and ongoing sleep-health management.
Overview & Prevalence
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects approximately 9–38% of adults, with higher rates in men, older individuals, and those who are overweight. Each apnea (complete pause) or hypopnea (partial reduction) episode increases strain on the heart and brain. Early detection—via sleep medical questionnaires and home sleep testing—enables timely intervention.
Pathophysiology & Risk Factors
OSA arises from collapse of throat tissues during sleep. Primary risk factors include obesity (each 10% weight gain raises OSA risk six-fold), enlarged tonsils, recessed jaw anatomy, and alcohol use. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), less common, involves disrupted brain signaling rather than airway collapse.
Diagnosis & Screening
The gold standard is overnight polysomnography in a sleep lab, quantifying events via the Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI). Mild OSA is 5–15 events/hr, moderate 15–30, and severe >30. For straightforward OSA, at-home sleep apnea tests (HSAT) combined with physician review often suffice. We coordinate your referral, ensure accurate interpretation, and guide you through next steps.
Treatment Options
CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is the first-line therapy for moderate-to-severe OSA, delivering pressurized air via mask to keep the airway open. Trials show CPAP improves blood pressure and quality of life, though long-term adherence averages 50–60%.
Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom mandibular advancement devices (Herbst, TAP, and CAD/CAM designs) reduce AHI by 50–70% and boast >90% compliance. We’re a CMS-approved DME provider, so medical billing (CPT 51660/51663) is seamless.
Inspire™: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation implant for CPAP-intolerant patients with moderate-to-severe OSA.
Lifestyle & Positional: Weight management, alcohol avoidance, side sleeping, and myofunctional exercises augment primary therapies.
Oral Appliance Therapy Details
We offer over 10 FDA- and Medicare-approved appliances, individually titrated in-office for optimal comfort and efficacy. Oral appliances are quiet, travel-friendly, and require no electricity—ideal for patients seeking a mask-free solution.
Diplomate Expertise
American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine Diplomates have a credential held by fewer than 500 dentists nationwide. This ensures the highest standard of care in oral appliance selection, fit, and long-term management.
Next Steps & Insurance
Begin with a sleep consultation: bring your OAT prescription and any existing sleep study results. We handle digital impressions, device fabrication, medical billing, and follow-up titrations to restore restful, uninterrupted sleep.