Data Gathering and Prescription

1.) We’ll check to see if you already have an appropriately diagnosed sleep test. If so, we’ll ask you to bring it in or have it sent to our office. We’ll gather your medical history (including if you have urology problems, cardiovascular issues, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, etc.), and then we’ll look at tongue size (mallampati), jaw size, neck size, and x-rays, if needed.

2.) We’ll screen to see if a patient has any obvious type of anatomical impingement on their airway. We generally test with two additional airway tools – a pharnanogometer (to measure airway volume health in the throat) and a rhinometer (to measure airflow in the nose). If we find any obstructions, this could result in a referral to an ENT or pulmonologist.

3.) If needed, we will ask you to complete a sleep test. Based on the gathered data, this can be a more comprehensive lab sleep test (polysomnography) or a home sleep test. Your test data will be interpreted by a board-certified sleep physician, which will help us determine if an oral sleep appliance will improve a patient’s sleeping disorder.

5.) If an oral sleep appliance is prescribed, this is where we begin the process of tailoring a sleep device with individual specifications crafted to your needs.

The Building Process & Calibration

1.) We’ll perform a more comprehensive dental exam, including measurements of upper jaw, lower jaw (impressions), the prescribed bite relationship, and the correct vertical dimension. We’ll also choose the material of the oral sleep appliance.

2.) When the appliance is fabricated, you will return to the office for final adjustments, take-home instructions, and a schedule a series of follow-up appointments.

3.) In your follow-up appointments, we’ll calibrate the device, as needed. The goal is to confirm that your sleep data numbers have improved. We may look for an increase oxygen saturation, a reduction in your apnea/hypoxia episodes, and a reduction of fatigue and daytime sleepiness.