CPAP Alternative
While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, it does not work for everyone. Those who use CPAP tend to encounter discomfort with the device’s mouth and nose pieces, along with difficulty changing sleep positions comfortably. Fortunately, there is an alternative to CPAP that works for most patients. Custom oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for many people with sleep apnea and is approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a custom made, mouthguard- like retainer while you sleep that positions the lower jaw forward to open the airway. This allows you to breathe and sleep better at night. Most people strongly prefer this over CPAP. Custom oral appliance therapy is covered by most medical insurances. Only Dentists who have specialized training can provide custom oral appliance therapy. Other treatments for sleep apnea include a combination of custom oral appliance therapy with CPAP or surgery.
Dr. Vandervelden Wearing His Custom Oral Appliance
What Is The Difference Between Oral Appliance Therapy And CPAP?
While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the standard of care for treating sleep apnea, it is not always suitable for every patient, often due to challenges with comfort or adherence. As a proven alternative, custom oral appliance therapy utilizes a tailored, retainer-like device to gently advance the lower jaw, thereby maintaining an open airway during sleep. Oral appliance therapy offers greater comfort than CPAP, as there are no masks, hoses, or machine noise to disrupt sleep. It is simpler to clean and more portable, making travel easier. Unlike CPAP, oral appliances do not cause severe dry mouth or chapped lips, and many patients find relief from these issues after switching.
How Will I Feel After Using Oral Appliance Therapy?
Finding an effective treatment for sleep apnea can make a world of difference in your energy levels and well-being. When treating sleep apnea with an oral appliance, you will likely notice an increase in energy and improved mood. This is because the oral appliance is helping you breathe better while you sleep allowing you to get the rest your body needs. Improving your quality of sleep often decreases irritability and depressive thoughts. Since memory loss and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms of sleep apnea, getting proper rest through treatment can make a big difference in improving your cognition.
What Is The Difference Between Concierge Oral Appliance Therapy with Dr. Vandervelden And A Mandibular Advancement Device Purchased Online?
Concierge Oral Appliance Therapy provided by Dr. Vandervelden is markedly different from Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) available online. Unlike MADs, which are offered with minimal or no professional oversight and lack comprehensive pre- and post-treatment sleep testing, concierge care with Dr. Vandervelden entails rigorous sleep assessments in multiple jaw positions to determine the optimal therapeutic setting—one that is effective yet minimizes side effects. This individualized fitting process, combined with ongoing monitoring, ensures both safety and clinical effectiveness. In contrast, MADs purchased online, including over-the-counter snore guards, are not FDA-approved for the treatment of sleep apnea and have been demonstrated to be substantially less effective than professionally managed, custom oral appliances.
What is the difference between concierge oral appliance therapy with Dr. Vandervelden and other appliance providers?
Dr. Vandervelden is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and specializes exclusively in treating obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike most providers, he requires extensive sleep testing—typically 30 nights total over the course of 5 years—to determine the optimal lower jaw position, tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs and adjusting as sleep apnea progresses. Regular follow-up testing at 3 and 5 years ensures ongoing effectiveness, with further adjustments made as necessary. This comprehensive approach minimizes complications and reduces the likelihood of patients needing to return to CPAP or consider surgery, distinguishing Dr. Vandervelden’s care from that of other providers.
I’m Interested In Concierge Oral Appliance Therapy by Dr. Vandervelden, What Should I Do Next?
When considering treatment for sleep apnea, it is crucial to recognize the significant impact untreated sleep apnea can have on one’s overall health—especially the brain and heart. Additionally, evidence shows that treating sleep apnea is not only beneficial for your well-being but also cost-effective in the long term. Proactive treatment leads to improved health outcomes and financial savings compared to leaving the condition unmanaged. Take the first step toward better health and peace of mind by scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. Vandervelden to determine if you are a candidate for concierge oral appliance therapy.