Everett and Mill Creek Oral Appliance Therapy for Snoring
Anti-Snoring Solutions
At Align Choice Orthodontics, Dr. Naghibi specializes in managing and treating Snoring to help you get a restful night’s sleep. If you’re struggling with Snoring, we offer effective treatments tailored to your needs in Everett, Mill Creek, and Marysville WA.
What Is Snoring?
When your airway is obstructed during sleep, the resulting airflow causes tissues to vibrate. This vibration creates the sound we know as snoring, which can sound like rattling or snorting.
Is snoring normal?
Snoring is common (and normal) for many people. In fact, nearly everyone snores at some point, including babies and young children. But snoring may indicate sleep apnea.
This condition can lead to daytime fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and other health problems if left untreated.
Gasping for Air During Sleep
The pauses in breathing from sleep apnea can cause you to wake up abruptly, gasping for air. This is often a frightening experience and is disruptive to getting a full night’s rest.
Loud Snoring
Loud snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway is partially blocked, causing vibrations in the throat.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Because sleep apnea causes frequent awakenings at night, people with the condition often suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, which can harm their focus and quality of life.
Morning Headaches
If you have sleep apnea, you might also experience morning headaches. They happen because your body doesn’t get enough oxygen while you sleep, which causes painful tension.
Causes of Snoring
Several factors can contribute to the development of snoring. Understanding these causes can help in managing and treating the condition effectively.
Obesity
Obesity is a major risk factor for snoring. Excess weight can lead to fatty deposits around the upper airway, which obstruct breathing.
Anatomy
Air can have trouble flowing through your nose and mouth if your adenoids, tonsils, or tongue are enlarged. A deviated septum, which is when the cartilage separating your nostrils is off-center, can also create a blockage
Nasal Congestion
Chronic nasal congestion can contribute to sleep apnea by making it difficult to breathe through your nose, especially at night.
Lifestyle Habits
Certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, can worsen sleep apnea. These habits can relax the muscles around your airway, leading to obstructions.
Family History
There is often a genetic component to snoring. If you have a biological parent who snores, your own chances of snoring are increased.
Age
A natural decrease in muscle tone happens as we get older, causing our airways to constrict and making snoring more common.
How does a doctor figure out if a person’s snoring is a medical issue?
Physical Examination
Dr. Naghibi, as a specialist, will conduct a physical exam of your nose, mouth, and throat. He will also ask you and your partner questions about the frequency and sound of your snoring, and how rested you feel during the day.
STOP-BANG Score for Snoring/ Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The STOP-Bang score tells you whether your snoring has a low, intermediate, or high risk of having obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep study
If a sleep disorder like sleep apnea is suspected, Dr. Naghibi may recommend a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. This test can be conducted at home, or it may require an overnight stay at a sleep center.
Effective Treatments for Snoring/Obstructive Sleep Apnea
CPAP Alternative Treatment
At Align Choice Orthodontics, we offer a range of treatments designed to address the specific type and severity of your snoring or sleep apnea. Here are some of the options available.
Oral Sleep Appliance
Oral sleep appliances are custom-made devices worn during sleep to keep your airway open. They fit like a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer and are a comfortable, non-invasive treatment option for mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring problems.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) work by moving your lower jaw slightly forward to maintain an open airway. This type of device is effective for treating snoring or obstructive sleep apnea and can significantly improve your sleep quality.
Occlusal Guard
An occlusal guard – also known as a bite guard or night guard – helps manage teeth grinding and jaw clenching that often accompany sleep apnea. It protects your teeth and jaw while also contributing to a better night’s sleep.
Let’s have a FREE consultation
Tired of sleepless nights caused by snoring? Dr. Naghibi and the Align Choice Orthodontics team are ready to help you find relief.
Schedule your free consultation today
to learn how our custom treatments can restore healthy, quiet sleep at our Everett office.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Sleep Apnea
If you have questions about sleep apnea, you’re not alone. Here are some common questions and answers to help you understand more about this condition and its treatments.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) and who is it for? Expand
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) offers an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), serving as a reliable alternative to traditional CPAP therapy. This innovative approach utilizes a custom-made, removable oral appliance – similar to a mouthguard – worn during sleep. The specialized dental device works to stabilize the tongue and, in some cases, gently reposition the jaw, ensuring an open airway to prevent the collapse of soft tissues associated with sleep apnea. OAT is an ideal solution for individuals diagnosed with OSA, especially those seeking a comfortable and convenient alternative to CPAP machines. Our practice is proud to have Dr. Naghibi, a dentist with specialized training in orofacial pain from UCLA, where he also received extensive training in oral sleep appliances, bringing a unique and comprehensive understanding to your sleep apnea treatment in Everett and Mill Creek, WA.
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work? Expand
At Align Choice Orthodontics in Everett and Mill Creek, WA, your journey to better sleep begins with a thorough examination to determine if Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is the right sleep apnea treatment for you. Once confirmed, our skilled team meticulously crafts a personalized, custom-made oral sleep appliance. This comfortable dental device, akin to a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer, is designed to be worn nightly. Its core function is to prevent airway collapse, a common cause of difficulty breathing during sleep. By gently positioning your jaw forward and stabilizing your tongue, the appliance ensures a consistently open airway. Numerous medical studies confirm the efficacy of this dental appliance in effectively treating both Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and snoring, leading to improved breathing and more restorative sleep for our patients.
What are the Types of Oral Appliance Therapy? Expand While many different oral appliances are available, all share the primary goal of effectively treating obstructive sleep apnea. Though their precise size and appearance may vary, our experienced team of professionals like Dr. Naghibi, a dentist specialized in managing OSA at Align Choice Orthodontics, is best equipped to advise you on which specific dental appliance will be most suitable for your unique needs. Generally, the majority of oral sleep appliances fall into two main categories:
- Mandibular Repositioning Devices (MRDs) or Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD): These oral appliances are specifically designed to gently reposition your lower jaw into a forward and slightly downward position. This strategic placement helps keep your airways open throughout the night, preventing obstruction while you sleep.
- Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs): These are straightforward oral appliances that work by holding your tongue in a forward position. By preventing the tongue from falling back, these devices also effectively keep the airways open, facilitating uninterrupted breathing.
Where can I find Oral Appliance Therapy in Everett, WA? Expand
For expert Oral Appliance Therapy in Everett, WA and Mill Creek, WA, look no further than Align Choice Orthodontics. Our clinic, led by Dr. Naghibi – a dentist with specialized training from UCLA in both orofacial pain and oral sleep appliances – offers comprehensive sleep apnea treatment using custom-made oral appliances. We are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you achieve restful sleep and improve your overall well-being. You can learn more and schedule your FREE consultation by visiting our website at alignchoiceortho.com.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy covered by insurance? Expand
Yes, Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is often covered by medical insurance plans, as it’s considered a treatment for a medical condition (obstructive sleep apnea). While some dental insurance plans may have limited benefits, coverage for oral sleep appliances primarily falls under your medical insurance. At Align Choice Orthodontics, we understand that navigating insurance can be complex. That’s why our dedicated team goes the extra mile: we will thoroughly verify your insurance coverage, including both your medical and dental insurance – to determine your specific benefits. We also work with a dedicated third-party billing service to ensure your claims are processed efficiently, maximizing your coverage and minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for your sleep apnea treatment.
What are the benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy compared to CPAP? Expand Many patients find OAT more comfortable and easier to use than CPAP machines. Benefits include:
- Improved restful sleep
- Enhanced cognitive performance and concentration
- Reduced fatigue
- Decrease in snoring
- Portability and convenience (no electricity needed)
- Quieter than CPAP machines
Are there any side effects or risks associated with Oral Appliance Therapy? Expand
Common temporary side effects can include dry mouth, excessive salivation, and temporary jaw pain. In some cases, it can affect previous dental work or lead to loose teeth. Our Align Choice Orthodontics team will discuss potential risks and monitor your progress during follow-up appointments to ensure your comfort and the effectiveness of your oral appliance therapy.
Can sleep apnea be cured? Expand
While sleep apnea may not be completely curable, effective treatments can manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Lifestyle changes, oral appliances, and other treatments can significantly reduce the impact of sleep apnea.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea? Expand
If you experience symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and breathing interruptions during sleep, you should consult a healthcare professional. A sleep study can diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity.
Are oral appliances comfortable to wear? Expand
Yes, oral appliances for sleep apnea are designed to be comfortable. They are custom-fitted to your mouth and can be adjusted as needed to ensure a good fit and effective treatment.
What lifestyle changes can help with sleep apnea? Expand
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and sleeping on your side can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
These lifestyle changes – combined with professional treatments – can improve your sleep quality.
Do I need a referral for Oral Appliance Therapy at Align Choice Orthodontics? Expand
No referral is needed to begin your Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) journey at Align Choice Orthodontics. We welcome patients directly, without the need for a referral from another doctor. We encourage you to take advantage of our free consultation, where Dr. Naghibi can answer all your questions, conduct a thorough examination, and determine if OAT or a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) ( Oral Sleep Appliances) is the right solution for your sleep apnea and snoring concerns.
How much does an Oral Sleep Appliance (MAD or OAT) cost at Align Choice Orthodontics in Everett and Mill Creek WA? Expand
At Align Choice Orthodontics, we strive to make Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), including Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), accessible and affordable for our patients near Everett and Mill Creek, WA. While the exact cost can vary slightly based on the specific appliance needed, our fees are very competitive, typically ranging between $1500 to $2000 without insurance coverage. We are committed to maximizing your insurance benefits; our team diligently works with both your medical and dental insurance providers to ensure you receive the most coverage possible, so with some insurance, it can be as low as FREE, based on your insurance. Additionally, to further assist with your investment in better sleep, we proudly offer in-house financing options.