Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues.  If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

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A:

It is a piece of plastic that fits completely or partially within the mouth and holds oral structures in a position that allows easier breathing when you sleep.
A:

There are many appliances commercially available. Only 16 of them are accepted by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Many dentists make their own appliances, few of which have been tested for efficacy.
A: Oral appliances are designed differently and have hardware in different positions. While the underlying effect of one appliance may be the same as the other, you may not be able to use a certain appliance because of the anatomy of your mouth or an allergic reaction. You want to work with a dentist who has knowledge of many different appliances.
A:

The lifespan of an oral appliance varies depending on its design. They will last anywhere from six months to six years. Some require more repairs than others. Some must be sent back to the laboratory to be repaired, others can be repaired in the office. If you grind your teeth, you will shorten the lifespan of your appliance dramatically. Very severe grinders may find an appliance impossible to wear.
A:

My job to help guide the patient to selecting an appliance that fits their lifestyle and their anatomy. Some appliances allow you to speak easily, others make it impossible. All of them allow you to breathe through your mouth if your nose is stuffy.

A:

The real answer would be to have another sleep study, which would prove how effective the oral appliance is. Most patients will wait to be retested until their snoring stops and their symptoms go away.
A: Very much like you do your teeth. You need to brush the appliance thoroughly, both inside and out each morning when you take it out of your mouth. You need to pay attention to all of the hardware and small nooks and crannies.
A:

Short-term side effects include excess salivation, dry mouth, tooth pain, and joint pain. All of these are easily corrected with time or adjustment of the appliance. The literature reports, as many as half the patients wearing an oral appliance long-term will have minor changes in the position of their teeth. You must balance the positive effect of the appliance against the negative side effects experience.

A: Most medical insurance companies cover oral appliance therapy for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  Although most companies cover craniomandibular orthopedic devices, there are some policies that have specific coverage maximums or exclusions.  It is best to read your policy carefully and speak to your insurance representative prior to your visit.  In our office, it is our experience that over 80% of patients will have coverage for treatment.  However, these companies generally do not cover treatment for primary snoring (snoring only) appliances.  It is imperative that you know your policy, it is your best tool to stay one step ahead of the insurance companies.
A: Most insurance companies do not have in-network providers (dentists) for this treatment.
A:

If there is no in-network provider within the insurance plan then the insurance company may be required to pay the claims at in-network rates (this is called a benefit exception) and you should get your maximum coverage for the treatment.  If there is an in-network provider, you can still see Dr. Sullivan, and you would receive out-of-network benefits.
A:

Once you have been in for our Preliminary Diagnostic appointment, our office can send a letter to your insurance company asking for a pre-treatment determination of benefits under your policy. The insurance company will respond by sending a letter back to you, with a copy to us, explaining your coverage for this treatment.  If the letter does not specify what percentage of the cost is covered, we recommend that you call your insurance company to get that information.
A: Our office charges a single case fee for al services pertaining to your treatment.  This case fee includes ALL exams, consultations, x-rays, sleep studies and an appliance for the first 6 months of treatment.  A $380 dollar fee is requested at the first visit.  This covers the initial exam and the necessary x-rays.  This initial payment will be credited to the treatment case fee if you decide to move forward with treatment.