If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea your sleep specialist should educate you on the different
options available for treating your disease and the benefits of those forms of treatment.  They are likely to
offer advice on their recommended option to begin with treating you.  Some of the options that should be
presented to you are weight loss, positional therapy, CPAP, Surgery, and Oral Appliances.  While we are not
experts on the medical treatment options, we do have a thorough knowledge of Oral Appliances, how they
work, and the benefits of their use.  Please click to link to our page that explains more on Oral Appliances.
If you are like many patients,  finding the best treatment option for you can be a challenge.  Studies show a
compliance rate for CPAP at anywhere between 40-50%.  Some patients who undergo surgery find that after
a period of time, their symptoms return only to feel there is no where to turn for help.  Oral Appliances have
proved to be very effective in treatment and have an overall compliance rate above 75%.
If your current mode of treatment doesn't appear to be helping, don't get discouraged, discuss your
concerns with your sleep specialist.  Adjustments can sometimes make a world of difference.  If you have
exhausted all efforts and feel you have no where else to turn, keep in mind that many people who cannot
tolerate CPAP, BiPAP, or Surgery, can be  excellent candidates for Oral Appliances.
A sleep study is the only way to confirm whether or not you have sleep apnea and must be conducted by a
sleep specialist.  Snoring is only one symptom of sleep apnea.  If your sleep specialist determines that you
do not have sleep apnea, it is possible that your snoring can be helped by an Oral Appliance.
To see if you will benefit from an Oral Appliance, please
contact our office for an appointment with Dr. Thompson.   In
order to receive the maximum benefits of an Oral Appliance, it
is important that your oral health has been maintained. A
complete examination and X-rays of the head, neck, teeth, and
gums is necessary to determine if you can be fitted with an
Oral Appliance.