What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly starts or stops during the night. For someone suffering from sleep apnea, the pauses in breathing can happen multiple times per hour and can last for longer than 10 seconds. These pauses disrupt the patient’s sleep pattern, causing them to feel less rested and more fatigued the next day. Millions of people all over the world suffer from sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause significant damage to a person’s health.

Tutti Fruiti

February 16, 2022

As a person with anxiety of going to any doctors or dentists it took me a while to find the right dentist for me. Without a question I have found the right place. Not only does Dr.Ofaly have a great personality and is just a cool person in general but as a dentist you literally couldn’t find one that is as gentle and patient as him. He knows of my issues and couldn’t be more understanding. Also every procedure I have had their has been painless and so smooth. If your looking for a new dentist please trust me and just give him a try and I promise like me you will become a longtime patient. You really couldn’t be in better hands!

John Lang

January 30, 2022

My wife and I have been going to Fisher & Orfaly for more than 20 years. Their focus is a dental experience based in personalized, professional care. From cleanings to crowns, we’ve had it all. They always provide a pleasant atmosphere and pain-free service. Happy to report that my son recently started as a second generation patient. To Dr. Orfaly and his team I say keep up the great work.

Thomas Darsney

January 26, 2022

My experience at Dr Fisher and Orfaly’s office has been the same since day one ,ten years ago when urged from my mom to transfer over to the Hawthorne Blvd office.Wonderful! Truly.From the time you walk in, the atmosphere is like a small community of people you have come to know. Amy who has been my dental hygienist for years now makes my time enjoyable with a new topic of conversation to cover every time.Dr. Orfaly has handled my dental care for sometime now , from many, to all procedures, I couldn’t be happier. Yet more than just wanting to get it right with my teeth, he wants to know how you are, how your mom is ,and of course your favorite sports teams . Again, it’s a community I would recommend to any and all .Tom D

Thomas Levenberg

January 25, 2022

I have had great results with Dr. Orfaly. He is a real pro - a great communicator, practical and bright. His staff is friendly, his hygienists do a great job and his appointments run on time.

Andy Knapp

January 25, 2022

Our family has gotten our dental care (routine and otherwise) from Fisher & Orfaly for over 20 years. They have, without exception, provided compassionate, clearly explained, patient-centered, top-quality dental services and I recommend them without reservation. One of my adult children even went to them for an evaluation of some complicated work they had done elsewhere (out of state). I especially appreciate the measures their practice took during the pandemic — including installing hospital-grade air filtration — to maximize safety for patients and staff.

Andrea Cannella

January 24, 2022

Professional practice with friendly staff.

Corbin Bettencourt

January 24, 2022

Who likes to go to the dentist? Fear no more. Dr. Orfaly and his staff provide an environment of ease and professionalism that relieve the jitters that so many feel during visits to the dentist. Whether a routine check up or more complex procedure, our experiences have been most positive.

mary orne

January 24, 2022

Best care ever. Always caring and gentle. Been going for years would highly recommend.

Kathy Surette

January 23, 2022

I have been a patient at Dr. Orfali’s for over 20 years. He has always been professional and never performs anything that is not needed. I’ve had a couple of crowns and he has done a great job. My adult son was told by a dentist that he had about $5000 worth of work to be done on his mouth. Dr. Orfali reviewed his x-rays and he did not need any work. I would trust Dr. Orfali with any of your dental needs. He will always be truthful.

Erin Pararas

January 23, 2022

Dr. Orfaly is a fantastic dentist. He is professional, caring, and responsive. I appreciate him squeezing me in on short notice and following up to check on me after-hours. The technicians are great, too. I highly recommend his practice.

Types Of Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This is the most common type of sleep apnea and it occurs when throat muscles relax.

Central Sleep Apnea: This type of sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: This type of sleep apnea is also known as treatment-emergent sleep apnea. It occurs when a person suffers from both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Risks Of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can lead to potentially serious problems like:

Depression or anxiety

Heart problems

Strokes

High blood pressure

Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity

If you think you might have sleep apnea, visit your doctor immediately. Treatments like mandibular advancement devices (MADs), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, and (in extreme cases) surgery can treat sleep apnea and reduce the risks of long-term complications.

Mandibular Advancement Devices

A mandibular advancement device is a dental appliance that is used to treat snoring and mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. MADs are the most commonly used devices for sleep apnea treatment. It is usually offered an alternative to CPAP to patients who do not wish to use CPAP or have not been helped by CPAP.

Mandibular advancement devices look similar to mouth guards used for sports and sit over the upper and lower teeth. MADs move the jaw in a forward position which brings the tongue forward as well and increases the size of the airway. MADs help you breathe better and reduce snoring and sleep apnea by expanding the airway.

At Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, we fabricate a custom-made mandibular advancement device for your individual needs. To ensure the best fit and most effectiveness of MADs, we first take impressions of your mouth and use them to make your customized MAD.

A custom-made MAD will be much more effective than a storebought device. Our customized MADs have received glowing reviews from our patients. Here are a few things our patients have said: “That snore guard has been a lifesaver, and I cannot get a good night’s sleep without it. If something happens to it when I’m overseas, I’m sunk.” and “Just wanted to say that I am absolutely thrilled with how effective this mouthguard is. It seems to have completely shut down my snoring, after trying every imaginable method.”

Are Mandibular Advancement Devices Covered By Insurance?

You may be wondering if you can afford mandibular advancement devices, or if mandibular advancement devices are covered by insurance. If they are used for sleep apnea treatment then the partial cost of mandibular advancement devices may be covered by some dental insurances. It is best to check with your insurance provider if mandibular advancement devices are covered by dental insurance.

Insurance & Payment Plans

About Dr. George Orfaly

Dr. George Orfaly is a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry and has been practicing as a dentist in Salem, MA since 2005. He has consistently improved the lives of his patients by providing them relief, confidence, and healthy smiles. He believes that oral health is directly related to overall health and well-being. Dr. Orfaly has also been an active member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, and North Shore District Dental Society.