Can children have sleep apnea?

Yes, children can indeed have sleep apnea. Pediatric sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. It can affect infants, children, and adolescents. Common symptoms of sleep apnea in children include loud snoring, restless sleep, gasping or choking episodes, mouth breathing, bedwetting, and daytime sleepiness. The causes of pediatric sleep apnea can vary, including enlarged tonsils or adenoids, obesity, craniofacial abnormalities, or genetic factors.

 If you suspect your child may have sleep apnea, it is important to consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

 Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing sleep apnea in children and promoting healthy sleep patterns for their overall well-being and development.

Does insurance cover Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance therapy?

Medical insurance and Medicare coverage for Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance therapy varies depending on your specific insurance plan. 

While many insurance providers do offer coverage for oral appliances as a treatment option for sleep apnea, it’s important to review your policy details to understand the extent of coverage and any requirements. 

Most insurance carriers, as well as the Dental Sleep Medicine provider, will  require a 

1) Current sleep study and 

2) A  Prescription with a referral  for Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) from a sleep specialist and

3) An Examination to evaluate if you are a candidate for this very special procedure. 

To determine if your insurance covers Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance therapy, provide the treating Sleep Apnea Dentist’s office with a copy of your insurance card and the Dental Sleep Medicine office could contact your insurance provider directly to assist you in navigating insurance coverage.

With this information, the doctor’s office can provide guidance on YOUR treatment options based on your specific needs.

The treating dentist’s office will be able to communicate all of the findings to the insurance carrier, verify benefits, and if covered,  obtain authorization to commence treatment. 

When this process is completed, they will inform YOU of any out of pocket expenses.