Veterans in New Jersey now have improved access to sleep apnea treatment through a new dental therapy option provided by Dr. Nneka Obi in Hackensack. Her practice, First Street Smiles, has been credentialed to offer oral appliance therapy as an alternative to traditional CPAP machines through the VA Community Care Network.
The new treatment method addresses significant challenges veterans face with conventional sleep apnea management. Traditional CPAP machines often cause discomfort and present travel difficulties, leading to low patient compliance. By contrast, oral appliance therapy provides a custom-fit, FDA-approved device that improves airway function during sleep without the bulky equipment associated with CPAP.
Through a collaborative effort with Sleep Impressions and Millennium Sleep Lab, Dr. Obi can now treat veterans who qualify for VA Community Care benefits. This approach ensures veterans receive specialized sleep apnea treatment closer to their homes, potentially improving their overall quality of life and health outcomes.
The expansion represents a significant advancement in sleep medicine accessibility, allowing veterans a more comfortable and convenient treatment option. By providing a personalized solution that prioritizes patient comfort, this innovative approach could increase treatment adherence and ultimately improve sleep health for those who have served the country.
