FAQ — South County Sleep Solutions | Newport Beach

Question 1

What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device worn during sleep that gently repositions your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open. It looks similar to a sports mouthguard and is a comfortable, effective alternative to CPAP for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Question 2

Is oral appliance therapy as effective as CPAP?

Accepted Answer

For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is highly effective — and patients tend to use it more consistently than CPAP because it is quieter, more comfortable, and easier to travel with. Dr. Rockey will help determine whether it is the right fit for your diagnosis.

Question 3

How long does treatment take?

Accepted Answer

Most patients are fitted within a few weeks of their initial consultation. After delivery, a short two-to-four week adjustment period follows. Follow-up visits confirm the appliance is working correctly and your airway is properly supported.

Question 4

Is oral appliance therapy covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many medical insurance plans — including Medicare — cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea. Our team will verify your benefits and help maximize your coverage before treatment begins.

Question 5

Can an oral appliance help with snoring if I don't have sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Oral appliances are very effective at reducing or eliminating snoring by keeping the airway open during sleep. Even without a formal sleep apnea diagnosis, treatment can make a significant difference for both you and your partner.

Question 6

How does home sleep testing work?

Accepted Answer

We or one of our partners will provide you with a small, easy-to-use testing device that you wear overnight in your own bed. The device monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns. You return it the next day and our team analyzes the data, typically delivering results within a few days.

Question 7

Is a home sleep test as accurate as an in-lab study?

Accepted Answer

Home sleep tests are highly accurate for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea in adults and are the preferred first-line diagnostic tool recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In some cases, an in-lab study may still be recommended.

Question 8

What happens after my home sleep test?

Accepted Answer

Once your results are reviewed by a board-certified sleep specialist, we schedule a follow-up to discuss your diagnosis and recommend a personalized treatment plan. If oral appliance therapy is appropriate, we can begin the fitting process right away.

Question 9

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No referral is required — you are welcome to contact our office directly to schedule a consultation or home sleep test. If your physician or dentist has already recommended a sleep evaluation, we are happy to coordinate care with them.

Question 10

What does a first visit look like?

Accepted Answer

Your initial consultation includes a review of your sleep history, symptoms, and any prior sleep study results. Dr. Rockey will perform an oral examination and discuss your treatment options. If a home sleep test is needed, we can arrange it at the same visit.

Question 11

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We work with most major medical insurance plans, including Medicare and many PPO plans. Dental sleep medicine is typically billed through medical insurance rather than dental insurance. Our team will verify your coverage and provide a clear breakdown of any out-of-pocket costs prior to treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sleep Apnea & Oral Appliances

Home Sleep Testing

Getting Started