Education & Background
Dr. Craig Winkelmann is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. The Board is the certifying Board for dentists trained in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with oral appliances. He began treating patients with sleep breathing disorders in 2002. As part of his early training, he spent time with Sleep Technicians in a sleep lab to gain first-hand insight into the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and primary snoring.
Dr. Winkelmann continued his journey to help people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea by going through the rigorous process of becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. He also maintains membership in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He started The CPAP Alternative as a practice to help people with sleep breathing disorders in Wake Forest and the Raleigh metro area including Rolesville, Youngsville, Louisburg, Franklinton, and the surrounding areas.
Dr. Winkelmann brings over 20 years of experience to your care. Additionally, Dr. Winkelmann has distinguished himself as a dentist by becoming a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Only 2% of dentists in the United State hold this honor. He is regularly chosen as one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumer Research Council. His general dentistry practice, Wake Forest Dental Arts, was chosen as the top dental practice in Wake Forest in 2018. Dr. Winkelmann also maintains membership in the American Dental Association, The North Carolina Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Winkelmann and his staff enjoy their profession. Their goal is to treat you as family in a warm, caring, and comfortable environment.
Professional Achievements
Dr. Winkelmann is committed to providing outstanding patient care that yields results. He’s been selected as one of America’s Top Dentists eight times in the last ten years. To be considered for the award, applicants must have an upstanding reputation within the community. The criteria include:
- Have over four years of experience
- Average over three times the continuing education required by most states
- Use magnification for greater attention to detail
- Were chosen by other health care providers for treatment
- Are highly reviewed online
- Rank nationally as America’s Best Dentists
The foundation of The CPAP Alternative is built on the trust and rapport he strives to build and maintain with his patients.
Personal Life
Dr. Winkelmann lives in Cary with his son, who he adores, and his cat Buster. He is an active member in the Boy Scouts of America and prior to that, volunteered for the Civil Air Patrol. He also founded the precision formation flying team, known as The Bandit Flight Team. His hobbies and interests include muscle cars from the 60s and 70s, aviation, and the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes your practice stand out from the rest?
Dr. Winkelmann not only offers a comprehensive list of services, but his background and experience will also earn your trust. He has completed over 500 hours of continuing education courses, earning him the distinguished fellowship award from the Academy of General Dentistry.
He’s been practicing dentistry for over 20 years and has owned his practice for ten years. Dr. Winkelmann and our team are passionate about improving the quality of your sleep, so you can live up to your fullest potential.
Can I develop sleep apnea as an older adult?
Sleep apnea can occur at any age, from infants to centenarians. In children, it’s most commonly due to enlarged tonsils and lymphatic tissues called adenoids. Sleep apnea can manifest on its own or as a result of another medical condition.
No matter the cause of your sleep apnea, it’s important to treat the disorder and reduce the risk of long-term consequences. If you’re suffering from sleep apnea or snoring, schedule a consultation with Dr. Winkelmann. During the consultation, he’ll examine your mouth and throat and determine if you would benefit from a sleep study.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
In addition to bringing any questions you may have for Dr. Winkelmann, you’ll want to bring your insurance card and state ID. It’s best to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork.
If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, we recommend contacting your provider prior to your appointment. If there are any questions or concerns you have, please contact our office by calling (984) 237-1013. We look forward to meeting you.
If I don’t have dental insurance, how can I pay for services?
At our practice, we prioritize your oral health and offer flexible financing options so you can handle the payment later. With CareCredit, you can simply apply online or by phone at (800) 677-0718. Once you’re approved, you can begin using it immediately to pay for any services at our office that aren’t covered by insurance.
In addition to financing options, we also accept a variety of PPO insurance plans. Accepted payment methods include cash, personal check, and major credit cards. Feel free to ask any of our team members about details regarding our financing options by calling (984) 237-1013 and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Dr. Winkelmann is Here For You
Dr. Winkelmann understands the stresses and strains that come with sleeping disorders and he’s dedicated to finding a solution that works for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Winkelmann by calling (984) 237-1013 so you can start to enjoy the benefits of a quality night of rest.