Statement by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
For full article and statement see AASM Practice Parameters Guidelines for treating OSA with OAT
As a diplomate sleep dentist and the founder of West Michigan CPAP Alternatives in Holland, Michigan, I offer Custom Oral Appliance Therapy as an effective alternative to CPAP. Having personally experienced the benefits of this therapy, I now specialize in providing comprehensive, concierge care—including all necessary sleep testing, follow-ups, and adjustments for five years.
My approach emphasizes achieving optimal patient outcomes through multi-night home sleep testing at varying jaw positions, ensuring both efficacy and comfort. Patients typically complete 20 nights of testing over 20 weeks, with ongoing monitoring at three- and five-year intervals. At the five-year mark, a new baseline study and, if indicated, a replacement appliance are provided. This thorough process consistently delivers superior results compared to conventional appliance providers.
Custom oral appliances reposition the lower jaw to maintain an open airway during sleep and are endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They are also effective for patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP. Studies have shown that oral appliance therapy offers outcomes comparable to CPAP, largely due to higher patient adherence. This therapy is often preferred by patients and may be combined with CPAP for enhanced results. In my practice, even patients with severe sleep apnea typically experience a 50–75% improvement in symptoms, with their condition often reduced to mild or moderate severity.
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy is not the same as Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs). Unlike MADs, which lack professional management and before-and-after sleep testing, custom therapy is tailored and monitored for effectiveness. MADs, including over-the-counter snore guards, are not FDA-approved for sleep apnea and are less effective than a professionally managed custom oral appliance.
I now offer expedited home sleep testing for select providers for just $200, including a telehealth consultation with a board-certified sleep physician. This allows your patients to access therapy options much faster than traditional referrals. Availability is limited, so please reach out soon if interested.
I’m happy to assess your patients for sleep apnea and offer alternatives to CPAP. If they’re not candidates for oral appliance therapy, my partnering sleep physicians can still manage CPAP. Consider sending all your sleep patients for comprehensive care.
To refer patients, simply provide them with my business card or brochure and have them call. You may also fax their demographic info with a note requesting evaluation for Custom Oral Appliance Therapy. For referral materials or questions, email [email protected] or call 616-741-9035—my team is happy to help.
If you have questions about custom oral appliance therapy or want more information, please call 616-741-9035 or email [email protected]. We can arrange a call or meeting at your convenience. My practice, West Michigan CPAP Alternatives, is located in downtown Holland, just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids, with easy parking. Patients from across the region have sought out our services—your patients will appreciate the referral!
Thank you,
Dr. Vandervelden, DMD D. ABDSM
Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
