Rest better, breathe easier

Dr. Samir Nanjapa leads the Deccan Sleep Center. He is a prosthodontist, a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and a professor at the UCSF School of Dentistry.

CPAP removes more breathing events in a sleep lab, but many people struggle to wear it every night. Because patients tend to wear oral appliances more consistently, studies show similar real-world results for many people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. For severe sleep apnea, CPAP is usually tried first. We decide together with your sleep physician.

No. A physician diagnoses sleep apnea with a sleep study, either overnight in a sleep lab or at home with a home sleep test. We provide the oral appliance treatment and work alongside your sleep physician.

Yes. Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea needs a diagnosis from a physician, and insurance requires it as well. If you haven’t been tested, call us and we’ll explain how to get started with a sleep physician.

Usually, through your medical insurance rather than your dental plan, because sleep apnea is a medical condition. We work with most medical plans, including Medicare. We check your benefits and handle the paperwork with your physician and insurer.

It depends on the appliance and the number of follow-up visits you need. After your evaluation we give you a written estimate, and no-interest payment plans are available.

Most patients need just two visits. At the first, we do your evaluation and digital scans. Your appliance is usually ready about 10 days later, sometimes sooner, and we fit it at the second visit. If your insurance requires preauthorization, that can add time, and our team will keep you updated.

Custom appliances are small, made for your mouth and worn only while you sleep. Most people need a short adjustment period, and we fine-tune the fit at follow-up visits.

Some people have mild jaw or tooth soreness in the morning, or extra saliva at first, which usually settles within a few weeks. Over years of use the bite can shift slightly, so we give you a morning aligner to wear for a few minutes after waking and check your bite at follow-up visits.

With good care, often several years. We check its condition and fit at your regular follow-ups and let you know when it needs repair or replacement.

Yes, for some people. An appliance can help when sleep apnea isn’t fully controlled on CPAP alone, and some CPAP users wear an appliance when they travel. Your sleep physician decides what fits your situation.

Often, yes. The appliance needs enough stable teeth to hold onto, and crowns and implants are usually fine. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Nanjapa regularly treats patients with complex dental work. If you have no natural teeth, a standard appliance usually isn’t an option, and we’ll talk through alternatives with your physician.

No. Over-the-counter guards aren’t custom-fitted or precisely adjustable, can strain the jaw or move teeth, and aren’t a treatment for sleep apnea. We only use custom-made, adjustable appliances.

Yes. Custom appliances are very effective for loud, habitual snoring. We still recommend a sleep test first, because snoring is often the most noticeable sign of sleep apnea.

Call us with your sleep study and your physician’s referral if you have them. If you haven’t been tested yet, we’ll explain how to get a sleep study and take it from there.