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You Can Trust The 1st AND Only Accredited Facility in Missouri by the aadsm
WITH SIMPLE SLEEP APNEA SOLUTIONS
5 Questions To ask Before Getting an Oral Appliance for your Sleep Apnea and Snoring
1
How much experience does the dentist have? Is this dentist trusted by my referring physician?
Dr. Lillenberg has been through a residency at Tufts University for Dental Sleep Medicine and a Mastery program through the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, making him among the highest trained dentists in the world in dental sleep medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and his dental facility is the FIRST and ONLY accredited Dental Sleep Medicine Facility in Missouri by the American Academy of Dental sleep Medicine. Dr Lillenberg works closely with your sleep physician or your primary care doctor to obtain a diagnosis for treatment and builds a treatment plan unique to your circumstances.
2
Does the dentist have extensive experience and success with many sleep apnea devices?
Contrary to what some may think, there is no such thing as one size fits all when is comes to oral appliances for sleep apnea. The dentist should be experienced with many devices so that they may choose the best one based on your unique needs such as mobility, comfort, ease of use, longevity, and more. Some devices are better suited to particular patient preferences and specific outcomes. Dr. Lillenberg has experience with MANY oral appliances for sleep apnea and can guide you to the best device for your needs.
3
Does the dental office work with my medical Insurance? Are their fees reasonable and customary?
Oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea is often covered (at least in part) by your medical insurance as DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, similarly to a CPAP. We can send in a claim on your behalf to your medical insurance for services if appropriate for reimbursement. Our fee for appliance therapy is very competitive in the St. Louis Market and very inclusive. Our fee includes the examination, the sleep device, a morning repositioner (essential), all follow-up visits for 6 months, and a generous manufacturer warranty against device breakage for 3-5 yrs. In addition, Dr. Lillenberg will assist in adjusting your device to a comfortable and effective position for your symptoms.
4
How does the dentist confirm that your oral appliance is working?
Our office will help you get a diagnosis for sleep apnea (if you need one) through our physician referral network. If you and your physician feel the sleep device is a good option and, if during the consultation at our office this is confirmed, we will treat you using oral appliance therapy. You, your sleep physician and Dr. Lillenberg must know if your oral appliance is treating your sleep apnea successfully. So, once the device is comfortable and appears to be working based on symptom relief, Dr. Lillenberg will help coordinate a sleep study with your sleep physician or primary care doctor where we can test the oral appliance and confirm its effectiveness.
5
Is sleep apnea related to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (Commonly referred to as TMJ or TMD)?
Treating orofacial pain and craniomandibular disorders involving the TMJ is complex. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) Snoring and Bruxism (repetitive clenching of the jaw muscles and grinding of the teeth during the night) can cause TMD symptoms in some patients. Symptoms can include sore muscles of mastication, referral of the muscle pain to the head and neck, and clicking and popping or joint sounds near the ear are all common with TMD. These can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality due to sleep apnea. Successful oral appliance therapy can often help relieve some of these symptoms. However, when use improperly or by a dentist without proper training these devices can initiate symptoms in otherwise symptom-free patients. Almost all problems can be prevented or minimized by careful and timely follow-up by a trained sleep dentist. Dr Lillenberg has 40 years of experience in restorative care, pain management, and dental sleep medicine.
A Convenient Alternative
- Frequent, loud snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Chronic exhaustion even after a full night’s sleep
- Gasping, choking or snorting during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Poor memory, moodiness or difficulty concentrating
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
CPAP not working?
You’re not alone. Approximately 83% of CPAP patients quit or are inconsistent in their therapy.
When a patient cannot tolerate CPAP, they neglect to use it. This non-compliance is referred to as CPAP intolerance or CPAP failure.
CPAP failure is often caused by issues outside of your control:
- Seasonal allergies or ongoing congestion
- Nasal, sinus or upper palate issues (such as a deviated septum)
- Skin irritation on face
- Nasal irritation, dryness or bleeding
- Claustrophobia or sensation of suffocation
- Respiratory infections
- Abdominal bloating & gas
- Machine disturbs sleep (or partner’s sleep)
These and other issues make CPAP failure common for many obstructive sleep apnea sufferers.
Benefits of Treatment
No Hose, No Mask, Just Sleep
A full night’s sleep for both you and your partner without the hassle. Wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Daytime Alertness
Experience the increased concentration, memory, focus and energy that comes from restful sleep.
Improved Health
Avoid the health risks caused by untreated sleep apnea and live a longer, healthier, more enjoyable life. Reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications linked to sleep apnea.
Easy Travel
Wether on a plane or in a tent, our oral appliances fit in a pocket and are hassle free. Nothing to remove from your bag for TSA and no need to bring a generator on your next outdoor adventure!
What’s the process?
The process is simple. First, come in for a consultation, together we’ll determine if this is the right option for you. If it is, we’ll coordinate with your insurance company for coverage.
Second, we’ll custom fit your new oral appliance.
Third, you enjoy a good night’s rest.
At-Home Sleep Test
A comfortable alternative
If during your consultation it is suspected that you may suffer from sleep apnea, we will assist you in ordering a convenient and accurate home sleep test designed to assist in the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing. In the comfort of your own bed, you’ll wear the testing device while sleeping. We will assist you in getting a diagnosis if necessary from your primary care doctor or sleep physician. If you do not have a doctor, we will refer you to one of our trusted providers. A Board Certified Sleep Physician will then interpret the data from your sleep study and we will contact you to discuss your results and develop treatment plan.
James Lillenberg DDS, D.ABSM
Diplomate American Board Dental Sleep Medicine
Dr. James Lillenberg
SLEEP APNEA-FOCUSED DENTIST IN ST. LOUIS
ALLEVIATING SLEEP DISORDERS WITH HIGH-QUALITY ORAL CARE & APPLIANCES
SLEEP WELL ST. LOUIS IS THE FIRST AND ONLY ACCREDITED MEDICINE FACILITY IN MISSOURI BY THE AADSM
James Lillenberg DDS has been in clinical practice for 35 years in south St. Louis County. A native St. Louisan he is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. James has logged 100’s of hours with the Pankey Institute of Florida, Spear Institute of Scottsdale, Arizona and the Seattle Study Club of Seattle, WA. in professional continuing education.
He completed a continuum at The Pankey Institute in Dental Sleep Medicine in April 2016 and a mini-residency in Dental Sleep Medicine at Tufts in April 2017. James is certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and is a Diplomate of the AADSM. He is also a board member of the Missouri Sleep Society.
Get to Know Us
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Reviews
For James Lillenberg DDS, D.ABSM
I have sleep apnea. I found Dr. Lillenberg while in search of an oral appliance. I am very glad I did...Dr. Lillenberg is very helpful and cares about his patients. He really takes time and makes sure the patient is satisfied. I am very pleased with my oral appliance as opposed to a CPAP machine. It is very portable and helps me sleep at night. Dr. Lillenberg has improved my quality of life!
Ben Hackett
I have been using the oral sleep apnea devise for a few months & could not be more pleased. I could not get the sleep doctors forced air machine to work to my satisfaction...I actually quit using the machine. The oral device is easy to use & I have noticed an improvement in my sleep (and a vast improvement in my wife’s sleep)...I not only recommend this type of product but I very highly recommend Dr. James Lillenberg. What a great person & his awesome staff! I give them at least a 5 star review!!
Jim Diedrich
What a difference. I was preparing myself for the worst and it exceeded my expectations. I was very pleased with the staff and results. Best decision I ever made!
Jeff
Common Questions
Regarding Sleep Apnea
Snoring frequently accompanies sleep apnea but it is not always an indicator of whether this sleep condition is present. However, snoring can indicate that bulky throat tissue could potentially obstruct airways – especially if patients have certain lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep apnea. Fortunately, the oral appliances we provide can treat both obstructive sleep apnea and snoring at the same time. These oral appliances are small and very comfortable to wear. They work by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward so that the airway is no longer obstructed.
Anyone of any age can have sleep apnea. We can arrange for a home sleep study (HST) for a diagnosis by a medical professional, a local sleep physician, or your primary care doctor. We are also able to diagnose and treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder more commonly known as TMJD). This is a condition that causes severe facial pain. TMD most typically affects women of childbearing age, but it can also affect men and children, and the severity of each case varies from slight discomfort to significant chronic pain that interferes with eating, talking, and everyday life. Book an appointment for a consulltation.
The exact cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different for each person. Anyone can develop it, regardless of age or gender. The most common risk factors include:
- Being over age 40
- Having a large neck (over 17 inches in men, 16 inches for women)
- Being overweight – approximately half of OSA sufferers are overweight
- Being male – more men than women suffer from OSA
- Having a large tongue or small jaw
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (particularly in children)
- Using alcohol or sedatives which relax the muscles in the airway
- Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum or sinus and allergy problems
While CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea, many people cannot tolerate the discomfort of the mask and the inconvenience and noise of the machine. Therefore a high percentage of users have difficulty or will not wear them.
An oral appliance is a popular alternative to the CPAP. This device is small, portable, fits more comfortably and can provide similar treatment benefits.
You will have a follow-up sleep study while using your oral appliance to confirm the effectiveness of the device. A consultation with the sleep medicine physician will be necessary to interpret the results.
Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isn’t covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed.
If coverage is available for oral appliances, it will come from your medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
Our patients tell us it is well worth the investment of their time and money to treat their sleep apnea because of the improved quality of life they experience.
We offer a discounted cash price for all appliances and do accept credit cards.
Most patients will adapt comfortably within two weeks with little difficulty. However, a few may require more frequent appoints during the initial adjustment period. Minor side effects for some are not uncommon during the first few days but usually subside. Teeth and bites can be sore initially for some but this can be managed by adjustments and accommodations.
Oral appliances for snoring and OSA are precision durable medical equipment devices approved by the FDA. They may need to be replaced after 3 years of nightly wear for some patients to adequately treat your snoring or OSA.
A change in your bite is possible. Depending on the position of your teeth and the status of your bone, your teeth may shift. This can be minimized with the use of a morning re-positioning device.
The most common side effect is morning muscle soreness that usually goes away after a short time. Some patients may experience either dry mouth or excessive salivation. As mentioned above, minor tooth movement occurs in some patients.
Obstructive sleep apnea in unlikely to decrease with age; therefore your oral appliance will probably be a lifelong therapy. However, certain wellness factors such as significant weight loss may improve your symptoms.
While there are over-the-counter appliances you can order, keep in mind these are not FDA approved for treating sleep apnea. Additionally, when not fitted properly they may cause unwanted side effects such as jaw problems or excessive tooth movement.
Common Questions
Regarding Sleep Apnea
Snoring frequently accompanies sleep apnea but it is not always an indicator of whether this sleep condition is present. However, snoring can indicate that bulky throat tissue could potentially obstruct airways – especially if patients have certain lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep apnea. Fortunately, the oral appliances we provide can treat both obstructive sleep apnea and snoring at the same time. These oral appliances are small and very comfortable to wear. They work by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward so that the airway is no longer obstructed.
Anyone of any age can have sleep apnea. We can arrange for a home sleep study (HST) for a diagnosis by a medical professional, a local sleep physician, or your primary care doctor. We are also able to diagnose and treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder more commonly known as TMJD). This is a condition that causes severe facial pain. TMD most typically affects women of childbearing age, but it can also affect men and children, and the severity of each case varies from slight discomfort to significant chronic pain that interferes with eating, talking, and everyday life. Book an appointment for a consulltation.
The exact cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different for each person. Anyone can develop it, regardless of age or gender. The most common risk factors include:
- Being over age 40
- Having a large neck (over 17 inches in men, 16 inches for women)
- Being overweight – approximately half of OSA sufferers are overweight
- Being male – more men than women suffer from OSA
- Having a large tongue or small jaw
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids (particularly in children)
- Using alcohol or sedatives which relax the muscles in the airway
- Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum or sinus and allergy problems
While CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea, many people cannot tolerate the discomfort of the mask and the inconvenience and noise of the machine. Therefore a high percentage of users have difficulty or will not wear them.
An oral appliance is a popular alternative to the CPAP. This device is small, portable, fits more comfortably and can provide similar treatment benefits.
You will have a follow-up sleep study while using your oral appliance to confirm the effectiveness of the device. A consultation with the sleep medicine physician will be necessary to interpret the results.
Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isn’t covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed.
If coverage is available for oral appliances, it will come from your medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
Our patients tell us it is well worth the investment of their time and money to treat their sleep apnea because of the improved quality of life they experience.
We offer a discounted cash price for all appliances and do accept credit cards.
Most patients will adapt comfortably within two weeks with little difficulty. However, a few may require more frequent appoints during the initial adjustment period. Minor side effects for some are not uncommon during the first few days but usually subside. Teeth and bites can be sore initially for some but this can be managed by adjustments and accommodations.
Oral appliances for snoring and OSA are precision durable medical equipment devices approved by the FDA. They may need to be replaced after 3 years of nightly wear for some patients to adequately treat your snoring or OSA.
A change in your bite is possible. Depending on the position of your teeth and the status of your bone, your teeth may shift. This can be minimized with the use of a morning re-positioning device.
The most common side effect is morning muscle soreness that usually goes away after a short time. Some patients may experience either dry mouth or excessive salivation. As mentioned above, minor tooth movement occurs in some patients.
Obstructive sleep apnea in unlikely to decrease with age; therefore your oral appliance will probably be a lifelong therapy. However, certain wellness factors such as significant weight loss may improve your symptoms.
While there are over-the-counter appliances you can order, keep in mind these are not FDA approved for treating sleep apnea. Additionally, when not fitted properly they may cause unwanted side effects such as jaw problems or excessive tooth movement.
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