If you have sleep apnea, you may have already tried CPAP therapy. If you couldn’t adapt to wearing the mask, the next step is to usually a custom dental sleep appliance. Worn at night, these appliances are engineered to promote oxygen flow and uninterrupted sleep by maintaining an open airway.

If you have Medicare, chances are the cost of your appliance is at least partially covered. The category of “Medicare approved sleep appliances” includes most of the major oral appliances on the market today. Not every dentist is aware of this – and it may fall upon you to keep them informed. Your dentist will need to provide Medicare with the required records -- and a written appliance prescription from a doctor.

Speak with your dentist today about Medicare approved sleep appliances. You can also visit www.Medicare.gov to learn more about your coverage options.