OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Wearable oral appliances are proven to be the most compliant and convenient solution for patients.
Initial Consult
Our hygienists are specially trained to look for signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Your treatment starts with an initial consult between Dr. Rahman. The consult will focus on understanding your medical history and key goals from treatment.
Treatment Phase
After the consult, we send you home with a wearable, disposable sleep test. The test result is automatically uploaded to a cloud server through an app. We can view your data within one day and can get a letter of medical necessity from an MD within three days. Based on their diagnosis, we prepare a wearable orthotic for you.
Treatment Outcome
Patients generally report improved breathing and a refreshing night of sleep within the two to three weeks of wearing the orthotic. We set up periodic follow-up appointments to review your progress and measure your airflow against the pre-treatment data. We also provide treatment summary to your referring physician for their records.
SLEEP APNEA
Dentistry isn't just about fixing smiles, it is also about saving lives. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can cause periodic disturbance through the night, which prevents restful and recuperative sleep. The most commonly reported signs of OSA include snoring and daytime sleepiness. Patients can also suffer symptoms such as excessive fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, and waking up gasping for breath.
​
Over time, the recurring episodes of lacking oxygen can lead to conditions such as dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, mood swings, frequent trips to the bathroom, or high body mass index (BMI). OSA has been linked with serious medical illness when it couples with other comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart condition.
​
Early diagnosis and intervention is key to avoiding fatal consequences from OSA. The best solution for OSA is for patients to wear a CPAP machine. However, many patients are non-compliant to CPAP due claustrophobia or cumbersome nature of the device. An orthotic is the most convenient and compliant choice for most OSA patients.
​
The doctors and hygienists at ACAD are specially trained in treating OSA. Our pharyngometer tests scientifically analyze, to the millimeter, the jaw position where you get the best airflow. There is no "guess and impress" involved in the process.
​
OSA is commonly caused by a large tongue that has no space to rest within the mouth. Wearable sleep appliances help keep the jaw open to allow airflow throughout the night. The long-term solution to sleep apnea is to expand the jaw. ACAD doctors are trained in airway-focused expansion orthodontics. We provide adult orthodontics, with special care for the lifestyle challenges it brings, to provide noticeable relief for patients.
​
Given the seriousness of OSA, its treatment (wearable orthotic) is one of the few dental procedures that is covered by most medical insurances. Our office has experienced medical billers who can help you navigate through the claims submission process.
