About Us

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

OAT is often a viable alternative to CPAP therapy. A specifically designed and adjusted customized oral appliance repositions the jaw and tongue during sleep. The oral appliance creates support for the airway that tends to collapse during sleep, stiffens the soft palate, and can be highly effective therapy for snoring and sleep apnea.

Why have I been referred to Dr. Richard P. Charmoy and not my dentist?

If you would like, you can certainly check with your dentist first. Dr. Charmoy’s therapies, however, are limited to treatment of sleep disturbed breathing. Dr. Charmoy is one of the leading authorities in dental sleep medicine in Central Jersey. He is certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. The office is experienced in all phases of treatment, including the management of any side effects of appliance therapy.

How do I make an appointment?

Simply call Dr. Richard Charmoy at 908-722-9266. If you have medical insurance, have your insurance information available when you call. The first appointment procedures will be explained to you in detail and any questions you have will be answered.

When you set your appointment date, our office will send you important medical forms and requests you send a copy of your sleep study from the Sleep Center. Prior to your visit, Dr. Charmoy will review both your medical history and your sleep study.

Will my insurance cover the device and follow-up visits?

Coverage of the therapy varies from policy to policy. In many cases, the referral by your physician with the medical necessity is an aid to obtaining coverage. The most efficient way to determine your potential insurance benefit is to call the office and speak directly to Adele.

How long will it take to get the appliance?

If at your first visit a decision is made to proceed with oral appliance therapy, impressions will be immediately taken and the appliance insertion visit will be scheduled. Usually that appointment can be scheduled two to three weeks from the initial visit.

Why is it important that this condition be treated?

There are two reasons to treat snoring and apnea. The first is to improve your quality of life. Apnea and snoring can result in altered sleep patterns; and as we know, sleep is very important to the healing process and our ability to perform normally throughout the day. Snoring, of course can be a nuisance to a bed partner as well. The second reason is the relationship of apnea to serious medical consequences. Untreated sleep apnea can cause or worsen the following:

• High blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease
• Risk for heat attack
• Risk for stroke
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Weight gain
• Migraine headaches
• Morning headaches
• Hyperactivity in Children
• Diabetes
• Impotency and sexual dysfunction
• Depression and anxiety
• Mood swings
• Job impairment
• Marital and other personal relationships
• The likelihood of motor vehicle accidents
• Accidents at the workplace
• Acid reflux
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Brain and cognitive changes

Please note that this treatment is considered a medical procedure and will NOT be covered by you dental insurance. While medical insurance companies do not customarily have dentists “participate” in their plans, the office will help you in getting reimbursement.