EMA® First Step

EMA® First Step is a simple, patient-friendly, 90 day trial oral appliance for noninvasive treatment of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

HOW IT WORKS

The primary treatment mechanism of opening the bite and gently moving the mandible forward is achieved using interchangeable elastic straps that offer varying degrees of mandibular advancement. By holding the mandible forward, the EMA First Step maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.

THE EMA FIRST STEP’S UNIQUE DESIGN ELIMINATES COMMON BARRIERS TO CASE ACCEPTANCE

• Treatment Cost: The EMA First Step can be made in the office, or Keller can fabricate your appliance for hundreds of dollars less than other oral appliances.
• Uncertainty About Effectiveness: The 90 day trial period will allow ample time for your patient to recognize the benefits of improved sleep with First Step.
• Patient Compliance: Your patient can experience the comfort provided by First Step’s patented design which allows for unsurpassed laterotrusive freedom of movement. Once this 90 day trial period has ended, your patient will be prepared to progress to a long-term, therapeutic device such as the EMA Custom.

Indications

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Same Day Device (when fabricated in office)
• Split Sleep Study Diagnostics
• Spare Appliance

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Severe Bruxing
• Long Term Therapy
• Central Sleep Apnea

WHAT TO SEND

• Full upper and lower VPS impressions
• Centric bite registration with 8-10 mm anterior opening

PATIENT CARE FOR THE DEVICE

• Clean the appliance every morning with cold water or room temperature water (NOT hot water), or with toothbrush and paste.
• The device can be soaked in denture cleaning solutions such as Polident or Efferdent.
• The straps can be left on during the cleaning process.
• Do not place the appliance in mouthwash or solutions containing alcohol.
• Never allow the appliance near high temperatures.

INSURANCE INFORMATION

If you are submitting an EMA First Step Case for insurance reimbursement, you should file for medical insurance, not dental insurance. Usually oral appliances fall under the same category as durable medical equipment and prostheses. If this is not the case, ask if oral appliances are covered by the insurance benefits. Be sure to tell the claims personnel that you have a CPT code.

Be sure to have a note of medical necessity signed by the prescriber and a description of the EMA and its function. Templates for these documents are available at our website, www.kellerlab.com. The CPT codes we can provide are:
E0486 Oral appliance to Treat Sleep Apnea
327.23 Diagnostic code - Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Click here to view the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Click here to download the EMA Prescription Form.

Click here to view Oral Appliance Therapy Insurance Tips

Click here for a Referral Letter Template to a Sleep MD

Have a question about EMA First Step? Email Keller.