About Oral Appliance Therapy in Wichita, KS
Oral Appliance Therapy is the #1 alternative to CPAP therapy. It provides an alternative for people who find the machine and mask or nose piece required by CPAP therapy uncomfortable or noisy. Oral Appliance Therapy has many features, including:
- Oral Appliance Therapy is non-invasive. It does not require the use of a machine, mask, or nose piece during sleep. In addition, oral appliances are compact and portable, ensuring you get the best sleep no matter where you are.
- Oral Appliance Therapy is comfortable. The oral appliance is similar to a mouthguard. It is custom-made just for you to ensure the perfect fit. You’ll hardly notice it while sleeping.
- Oral Appliance Therapy is highly effective. It works for many people who experience sleep apnea and compliance is higher than it is for those who chose CPAP Therapy. It also has the added benefit of preventing bruxism (grinding).
We recommend the EMA Milled Device for patients that have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and told that it was an option for them, but we also offer different appliances for maximum comfort and fit.
Learn more about our recommended sleep apnea device HERE
The Love Sleep Oral Appliance Process
Dr. Love offers a gentle, patient-centered philosophy of care that will provide you with a custom-fitted oral appliance in five easy steps. Our process begins with a sleep study and a physician’s prescription. Already have one? Fax it to 316-440-4426 or email contactlovesleep@gmail.com. Don’t have one yet? We can order one for you.
Consultation
Dr. Love will meet with you to discuss your sleep habits, sleep history, and possible options. If oral appliance therapy is a good fit, we’ll have you come back for a CBCT Scan and Comprehensive Exam.
CBCT Scan
We will take a CBCT scan — a detailed image of your head, jaw, and airway — to see exactly how an oral appliance can help you. (Already had one taken elsewhere? Just bring your disc to your appointment.)
Digital Scan
No goopy impressions — just a quick, comfortable digital scan of your teeth using the latest dental technology.
Lab Fabrication
Your digital scan is sent to a specialized dental lab, where your custom-fitted oral appliance is made and shipped to our office.
Delivery & Fitting
Once your appliance arrives, we’ll schedule you for a fitting appointment and make sure it’s comfortable for nightly use.
Follow Up Care
We’ll see you at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year to fine-tune your appliance. Replacement straps are free during your first year.
How to Care For Your Oral Appliance
Wear Nightly
It is important that you wear your oral appliance nightly. This consistency will ensure that it works effectively.
Clean Regularly
Dr. Love’s team will teach you how and how often to clean your oral appliance.
Store Properly
We will provide a protective case for you to use when your oral appliance is not in use and/or when you travel.
Oral Appliance FAQ’s
Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea, since it’s considered a medical treatment rather than a dental one. We will be considered out of network. We will get your benefit information, and a pre-authorization if needed. We can also apply for a GAP exception if qualified. Our team will make the process as easy as possible and do everything we can to get maximum coverage. We will also submit your claim and everything insurance requires.
How long does it take to get my custom oral appliance?
After your comprehensive exam and digital scan, your appliance is custom-made at a specialized dental lab, which typically takes a couple of weeks. Once it arrives, we’ll schedule you for a fitting appointment.
Is oral appliance therapy as effective as CPAP?
For many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is a highly effective alternative to CPAP. Because it’s more comfortable and easier to wear consistently, compliance rates are often higher than with CPAP — and consistent use is key to effective treatment.
Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance?
Yes. Treatment begins with a sleep study and a prescription from a physician. If you’ve already had a sleep study, we can accept those results directly. If not, we can help order one for you after your consultation.
What if my oral appliance doesn’t fit comfortably?
Your appliance is custom-fitted specifically for you, and we schedule a fitting appointment to check for comfort and make any needed adjustments. We also see patients for follow-up visits at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year to fine-tune the fit as needed.
What device does Love Sleep use for oral appliance therapy?
We recommend the EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) appliance for patients diagnosed with sleep apnea. It’s custom-made, similar in feel to a mouthguard, and designed for comfortable, consistent nightly wear.
“This is truly the best dental office!! Staff are incredible and they make sure you are well taken care of. Recently have gotten a sleep appliance and I truly cannot say anything but good things about this appliance. It has helped me tremendously after being diagnosed with sleep apnea. I am sleeping so much better and waking up feeling well rested in the mornings!”
Ashtian