Sleep Apnea

Treatments for Obstructive Apneas, How Much Do Jaw Retainers Cost?

Posted on 18. Dec, 2009 by admin in Treatments for Obstructive and Mixed Apneas

Jaw retainers are less expensive than CPAP units, but still surprisingly expensive. The do-it-yourself brand costs about $25. Some sleep centers have trained technicians who can fit an adjustable model for $300 to $400. Some manufacturers charge as much as $600 for a custom-fitted appliance, and with the dentist’s markup it may cost you more than $1,000. That is approximately twice the cost of an ordinary orthodontic retainer and does not include the cost of having your orthodontist or dentist take jaw impressions, or the cost of additional visits to check or adjust the fit of the appliance. This can add another several hundred dollars to the cost. Check with your insurance company in advance to see if they will cover part or all of these costs.

Should You Try a Jaw Retainer?
If you and your sleep specialist think you are a likely candidate for success with a jaw retainer, here are some questions to answer:

1. Have you had a sleep study to measure the baseline of your sleep apnea before treatment?
2. Is your sleep apnea mild?
3. If your sleep apnea is moderate to severe, have you tried CPAP (a more effective treatment)?
4. Do you have nasal obstructions that would prevent you from breathing through your nose?
5. Do you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome or dental problems that might be aggravated by using a jaw retainer?
6. If you have TMJ or dental problems, can your sleep specialist refer you to a dentist who is experienced in fitting oral appliances for sleep apnea?
7. Has your sleep specialist scheduled you for a follow-up sleep study while you are wearing the oral appliance to verify its effectiveness?
8. Have you added up and talked with your insurance agent about the full costs of an oral device, including fabrication, fitting, office visits for adjustments, and a follow-up sleep test? Do you consider this a cost-effective treatment option?

These questions are based partly on standards suggested by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for the use of oral appliances.

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Tags: Jaw Retainers Cost, Obstructive Apneas