For Referring Healthcare Providers
At Sleep Matters, we work collaboratively with physicians, sleep specialists, dentists, and other healthcare providers to care for patients with obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Our practice focuses on personalized oral appliance therapy, with careful attention to patient selection, comfort, treatment effectiveness, and follow-up.
We value the trust you place in us when you refer a patient. You can expect thoughtful care, clear communication, and a collaborative approach throughout treatment.
Recognizing Patients Who May Be at Risk
Sleep apnea doesn't always present as an obvious sleep complaint. Dental and medical providers may notice different signs, symptoms, or health patterns that suggest a patient could benefit from further evaluation.
In the Medical Practice
Consider sleep apnea when patients present with symptoms, health conditions, or changes such as:
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Obesity, weight gain, or difficulty managing weight
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Menopause or changing sleep around menopause
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Persistent fatigue or daytime sleepiness
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Hypertension, particularly when difficult to control
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Type 2 diabetes or metabolic disease
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Atrial fibrillation or cardiovascular disease
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Frequent nocturia or night time GERD
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Insomnia, morning headaches, or fragmented sleep
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Snoring, gasping, or witnessed apneas
In the Dental Chair
Dental professionals are in a unique position to notice oral and craniofacial findings that, together with a patient's history, may warrant a closer look:
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Bruxism, acid erosion or unexplained tooth wear
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Dry mouth, particularly on waking
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Large mandibular tori
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Large or scalloped tongue
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Enlarged tonsils or crowded airway
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High, narrow palate or maxillary constriction
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Retrognathia or micrognathia
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Reports of snoring, gasping, or witnessed apneas
AADSM-Guided Care
Our approach to oral appliance therapy is guided by the clinical standards and recommendations of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), from patient evaluation and appliance selection through titration and follow-up.
Appropriate Patient Selection
Oral appliance therapy isn't right for every patient. We carefully evaluate each patient's clinical needs before proceeding with treatment and will recommend further evaluation or alternative care when appropriate.
Clear, Ongoing Communication
We keep referring providers informed of meaningful treatment milestones and patient progress and welcome communication regarding your patient's care.
Personalized Oral Appliance Therapy
Each appliance is selected and customized based on the patient's anatomy, clinical needs, and comfort. Appliances are carefully fitted and titrated to support effective treatment.
Follow-Up & Treatment Effectiveness
Our care continues beyond appliance delivery. We follow patients through adjustment and titration and coordinate appropriate follow-up to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
Medical Insurance & Medicare
We work with many medical insurance plans, including Medicare, and handle medical billing for oral appliance therapy to help make treatment more accessible for your patients.
What You Can Expect From Sleep Matters
How to Refer a Patient
Whether your patient already has a sleep apnea diagnosis or is just beginning the evaluation process, we're happy to help.
If available, please include:
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Patient demographics and contact information
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Medical insurance information
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Most recent sleep study and report
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Prescription or order for oral appliance therapy
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Relevant clinical notes
If your patient has symptoms of sleep apnea but has not yet completed sleep testing, you can still refer them to us. We can help coordinate appropriate testing and physician evaluation while keeping you informed along the way.