Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to the most common questions about our sleep apnea treatments here in Glen Mills, PA.

What is Sleep Apnea?

It disrupts deep sleep and lowers oxygen levels, leading to fatigue, mood changes, and increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

In rare cases through weight loss or surgery. Most patients manage it with oral appliances or Vivos treatment, which relieve symptoms and improve sleep.

Common signs include loud snoring, pauses in breathing or gasping during sleep, and excessive daytime tiredness.

No, but untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of drowsy driving and accidents. Treatment restores safe, alert driving.

Benefits of Treatment

They’re a proven, comfortable alternative to support the jaw and open the airway—improving both mental and physical well-being.

While CPAP remains common, many patients prefer oral devices for their portability, quiet operation, and freedom to sleep in any position.

Most individuals with sleep apnea or chronic snoring benefit from it—but moderate to severe cases may need additional or alternate treatments. Dr. McCoy will recommend the best path after reviewing your sleep study.

Yes. Our clinic offers traditional oral appliances that reposition the jaw and Vivos DNA appliances that gently expand the jaw structure without surgery.

Just like a mouthguard, it needs nightly use—regular use ensures sustained relief from snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.

Curing Sleep Apnea

Often due to genetic traits or developmental variations. Most cases respond well to orthodontic therapy, like the DNA appliance.

Yes—it permanently treats the root cause of sleep apnea, unlike CPAP, and typically works in about half the time required for traditional braces.

It’s another name for the DNA system (including the Vivos System)—they are essentially the same treatment.

Yes. By naturally repositioning teeth and remodeling the jaw, it can relieve TMJ-related symptoms without surgery.

Coverage varies. We recommend contacting your provider in advance. We can also assist in verifying benefits—call us at 610-358-5690 to get started.

Managing Sleep Apnea

Insurance varies. Contact your provider or our office to explore your options and payment solutions.

CPAP delivers continuous air pressure; oral appliances reposition jaw or tongue to open the airway.

Yes—treatment lowers risks of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and improves energy and mood.

Yes. Sleep apnea rarely resolves on its own and poses serious health risks—professional care is vital.

Yes. Weight management, side-sleeping, nasal hygiene, and reducing alcohol/sedative use can help reduce symptoms.

Sleep Apnea in Children

There are multiple factors—any combination of which may contribute, including enlarged tonsils or adenoids, obesity, or genetic traits.

No—while over 10% of children snore regularly, fewer than 3% have sleep apnea. A sleep screening is the best way to know for sure.

Yes—untreated apnea may lead to growth delays, chronic health issues like high blood pressure or heart disease, and in rare cases, life-threatening complications.

Treatment typically involves a custom oral appliance worn during sleep. Dr. McCoy may also recommend jaw-remodeling devices and ancillary therapies like sleep positioning or allergy management.

Some do—but untreated sleep apnea often leads to ongoing behavioral and health concerns. Early treatment is key.

The Symptoms and Causes of Sleep Apnea

Yes. Many people wake with migraine-like headaches due to low oxygen during sleep. Oral appliance therapy often reduces these headaches and helps you wake feeling refreshed.

No. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has it. Loud or frequent snoring should be checked with a sleep study. Oral appliances and Vivos treatment can reduce or eliminate snoring.

Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. With treatment, it becomes a manageable condition. Oral appliances and lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risks.

Yes. Untreated sleep apnea can cause poor work performance, strained relationships, and higher accident risk from drowsy driving.

Dr. McCoy is a distinguished graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry, with an impressive 45-year career in general dentistry, serving patients in Morton and Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Over the last 15 years of his clinical practice, Dr. McCoy focused extensively on sleep and airway breathing disorders—a passion that continues to drive his commitment to innovative patient care.