Oral Appliance Therapy: A Comfortable Solution for Managing Sleep Apnea

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a small, mouthguard-like device while you sleep. It gently shifts your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open and preventing the collapses that cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

There are different types of oral appliances, but they all aim to:

• Stop snoring
• Prevent airway blockages
• Improve sleep quality
• Reduce daytime fatigue

They’re easy to wear, don’t require electricity or masks, and are much more portable than a CPAP machine. That makes them a great fit for many of our Bonney Lake and Tacoma-area patients—especially frequent travelers, light sleepers, or anyone who’s had trouble sticking with CPAP.

The Vivos System: A Unique Type of Oral Appliance

Not all oral appliances are the same. One that’s getting a lot of attention? The Vivos System.

Vivos goes beyond just managing symptoms. It’s a non-invasive treatment that actually works to correct the structural issues behind sleep apnea by gradually expanding and remodeling the airway over time.

Patients wear a specially designed oral appliance for a few hours during the day or overnight. Over months of use, it promotes better breathing, less snoring, and sometimes complete resolution of sleep apnea.

Dr. Yamashiro has seen amazing outcomes with Vivos in both adults and children. It’s particularly exciting for families looking for a long-term solution—not just symptom control.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliances can be used on their own or alongside other sleep apnea treatments. They work best for patients with:

• Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
• Primary snoring without apnea
• Trouble tolerating or using CPAP devices
• Healthy teeth and jaw structures

If you’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea or you’re exploring alternatives, oral appliance therapy may be a perfect next step.

We’ll work with your sleep physician to coordinate care, and Dr. Yamashiro will personally ensure your appliance fits properly and performs comfortably.

How Does the Process Work?

At Ecologic Dentistry, the process starts with a friendly consultation. We’ll talk through your symptoms, sleep history, and any previous treatments. If you’ve had a sleep study, bring it along!

Here’s what to expect:

1. We’ll take a digital scan of your mouth (no messy impressions).
2. Your appliance will be custom-fabricated to match your bite and jaw position.
3. You’ll return to have it fitted and learn how to use and clean it.
4. We’ll check in regularly to ensure it’s working well—and tweak it if needed.

Many patients notice results in just a few nights. Less snoring. Fewer wake-ups. Better energy.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

There’s a reason more people are switching from CPAP to oral appliances. Just ask anyone who’s carried their CPAP machine through SeaTac Airport.

Some of the most appreciated benefits include:

• Comfortable fit (especially with devices like Vivos)
• No noise—it’s quiet, so your partner sleeps better, too
• Easy to travel with—fits in your carry-on or glove box
• Low maintenance—just rinse, brush, and go
• Better compliance—because you’ll actually use it

And let’s not forget the most important benefit: waking up rested and ready for your day—whether you’re headed to the trails at Allan Yorke Park or a busy shift in Tacoma.

Oral Appliance vs. CPAP: Which Is Right for You?

Both CPAP and oral appliances are proven to treat sleep apnea. The best choice depends on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and comfort.

Here’s a quick comparison:

If you’re unsure which path is best, Dr. Yamashiro will help guide your decision and coordinate with your sleep physician.

Supporting Sleep Apnea Care Holistically

Good sleep is about more than just gear. That’s why Dr. Yamashiro takes a full-body, eco-friendly approach to wellness.

She may recommend pairing your oral appliance with:

• Myofunctional therapy (to retrain jaw and tongue habits)
• Nasal breathing support or allergy care
• Nutritional guidance to reduce inflammation
• Mindfulness tools for stress-related clenching or grinding

We also work with local providers in Bonney Lake and Tacoma to help patients build a well-rounded wellness team.

Let’s Get You Sleeping Better

If sleep apnea is disrupting your nights—or your days—oral appliance therapy could be a simple, effective, and sustainable solution.

Dr. Yamashiro and the team at Ecologic Dentistry are here to help. We’re all about practical, eco-conscious care that puts your comfort first.

Call Ecologic Dentistry today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Yamashiro. Let’s explore your treatment options and build a plan that helps you sleep—and feel—better every day.

Questions We Hear Often