Treatment Provided by Dr Hair
As a Dentist, Dr. Hair Provides Oral Appliance Therapy
to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
However, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a medical condition and must be diagnosed by a sleep physician.
Dr. Hair began working with sleep physicians in 2008 to help folks sleep better. Dr. Hair collects information from patients who think they may have Sleep Apnea and patients who have already been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, but cannot tolerate CPAP. He gives the information to his medical director (a sleep physician) who, after evaluation, will decide if the patient meets the criteria for a sleep test – typically a home sleep test.
Once the patient has been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the sleep physician will decide what treatment is best for the patient by discussing treatment options with that patient. If the treatment prescribed by the sleep physician is an oral appliance, we can begin treatment.
For the patients who have previously been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, but are CPAP Intolerant, the sleep physician will review the records including your previous sleep test. If your sleep test is within the past 2 years, you may not require another, but that is the decision of the sleep physician.
Once the patient has a current sleep test on file, the sleep physician will review treatment options with the CPAP-Intolerant patient and decide whether Oral Appliance Therapy is a good option for that patient. If the treatment prescribed by the sleep physician is an oral appliance, we can begin treatment.
What do our patients like about Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?
Our patients like OAT for several reasons:
- There is no claustrophobic feel of a mask strapped on.
- Travels easily in Carry-On – TSA does not “inspect” by rubbing hands all over your medical device. You never know what TSA was handling just before inspecting your device.
- Does not require electricity. Can continue treatment when camping or other places without electricity.
- Does not limit sleeping positions. There are no hoses to limit movement.
- Does not make noises that interupt your or your bed partner’s sleep.
What do we like about Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?
We have a few additional points we like about OAT:
- OAT does not have the complications that are associated with any surgery.
- Scarring (following surgery) could further constrict the airway.
- The patient may adjust the appliance to his comfort level.
- Surgery can make permanent changes to the patient; however, if patient is unhappy with OAT, he may discontinue OAT and go back to CPAP without changes to his body.
The Best News is the CPAP Alternative Treatment Can be Held in the Palm of Your Hand!
Call Dr Hair at 770.433.2414 for a no-cost screening to see how we may help you.
Choose option 2 (current patient) to get directly to our office.
Do We Recommend Oral Appliances for Everyone?
There are many options for treatment; no one treatment can satisfy everyone’s treatment needs. We work in close contact with our medical director (a sleep physician) making sure that you get the treatment that is best for you regardless of what that treatment may be. Simply stated: We want you to sleep better. “A well-rested patient is a much happier patient.”