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We are taking More Than Teeth to the next level. 

We pride ourself in providing free world-class clinical/business content that 9,000+ dental sleep professionals read each week.

Starting this week, we will be introducing FREE patient education downloads for various topics! You can plan on 1-3 handouts per month… thats dozens of free resources just for following along!

In Today’s Edition:

• How effective is mouth taping for reducing OSA severity?

• How does taping the mouth affect sleep quality and breathing?

• Are there issues with using mouth tape for OSA treatment?

• Fee-for-Service vs. Medical Billing?

• No more CPAP’s?

5-minute read👇

Clinical Corner

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Key Takeaways🔑

How effective is mouth taping in reducing the severity of OSA?

• Study 1: Researchers found that mouth-taping notably improved sleep apnea symptoms in individuals with mild OSA. Key findings include a significant reduction in the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) by 47%, dropping from 8.3 to 4.7 events/hour. The snoring index also decreased impressively, by 47%, from 303.8 to 121.1 events/hour. These results suggest that mouth-taping can be a practical, non-invasive intervention to alleviate mild OSA symptoms, particularly in mouth-breathers.

• Study 2: In their 2022 study, Labarca et al. found that combining an adhesive mouthpiece (like mouth taping) with mandibular advancement devices (MAD) significantly improves treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They reported a drop in median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from 10.5 to 5.6 events/h when both methods were used together, versus using MAD alone. This approach increased successful treatment rates from 43% to 76%, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating mouth taping with traditional OSA treatments.

How does using tape on the mouth affect the sleep quality and breathing patterns of people with OSA?

• Study 1: The aforementioned study by Lee et al. (2022) also noted improvements in oxygen desaturation index and the lowest saturation levels after mouth taping, indicating a positive impact on nocturnal breathing patterns in OSA patients

• Study 2: "In their 2019 study, Foellner et al. explored using an oral shield with nasal CPAP in OSA patients, akin to mouth taping. They found significant benefits: the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) dropped to 2.6/h with the nasal mask and oral shield, compared to 8.5/h with an oronasal mask. Additionally, this combination reduced mouth leakage and improved deep sleep (NREM3), indicating that methods like mouth taping could boost CPAP therapy effectiveness and comfort by preventing mouth opening during sleep.

Are there any problems or difficulties with using mouth tape for treating OSA?

Side effects of mouth taping have not yet been fully studied, but anecdotally reported side effects include:

• Irritation on or around the lips

• Pain when ripping off the tape, especially for those with facial hair

• Disrupted sleep due to irritation from the tape or difficulty breathing through the nose

• Anxiety, for those who feel uncomfortable having their mouth taped shut

• Discomfort or difficulty breathing

Future research could uncover additional potential side effects related to mouth taping.

Business of Sleep

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Navigating Financial Models in Dental Sleep Medicine: Fee-for-Service vs. Medical Billing

Embarking on a journey into dental sleep medicine can feel like navigating uncharted waters, especially when it comes to the financial aspects. One of the pivotal decisions you'll face is choosing between the Fee-for-Service (FFS) model and the complexities of medical billing. Let's break down these options to help you chart a course that best suits your practice.

The Fee-for-Service Approach: Clarity and Value

Many dental professionals, many readers included, have found solace in the simplicity of the Fee-for-Service model, particularly when transitioning from restorative practices. Here's why:

• Streamlined and Transparent: The FFS model is straightforward, offering transparency in financial dealings, which patients appreciate.

• Value-Driven Treatment Plans: This approach allows you to focus on delivering quality care without the constraints of insurance coverage limits.

• Flexible Financing: It opens doors to various third-party financing options, making treatments accessible to a broader patient demographic.

The Mixed Reality of Medical Billing

On the flip side, integrating medical billing into your dental sleep practice isn't without its merits, despite the challenges it may present:

Pros:

• Cost-Effective for Patients: It can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients, potentially increasing case acceptance rates.

• Financial Diversity: Adding medical billing provides more payment options, enhancing the financial flexibility of your practice.

Cons:

• Unrealistic Expectations: Navigating insurance coverage can lead to patients having unrealistic expectations regarding what is covered.

• Coverage Limitations: The risk of encountering low coverage and high deductibles is significant.

• Billing Complexity: The process can be intricate and time-consuming, requiring dedicated resources and expertise.

Making the Right Choice for Your Practice

When deciding between these two models, remember that using medical insurance in dental sleep medicine can strengthen physician relationships and boost referral potential. However, it's not a prerequisite for a successful practice. Reflect on your team's philosophy and operational style. In my experience, the FFS model has been a beacon of simplicity and efficiency, enhancing both the perceived and actual value of services provided, and streamlining production.

In the end, the choice between Fee-for-Service and medical billing in dental sleep medicine isn't about right or wrong. It's about what aligns best with your practice's goals, resources, and patient needs. Consider your options carefully and choose the path that lights the way to success for your team and your patients.

Previous editions:

👉 Your Patients Diets and Their OSA

👉 How Allergies Affect OSA

👉 The Nose and OSA

Something Sweet

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Miscellaneous

😅P.S. … I forgot something

Big news in dental sleep medicine! With a huge recall of CPAP machines and a top manufacturer stepping back, millions are looking for alternatives. That's where we, as dental sleep pros, come in – it's our time to shine in offering new solutions!