Sleep Apnea & Airway Orthodontics in Spokane
Loud, persistent snoring is more than just an annoyance for your partner—it can be a sign of a serious health condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). At Damon Orthodontics, we go beyond straightening teeth to focus on your overall health, including how you breathe.
Our expert team offers advanced solutions to help patients in Spokane find lasting relief from sleep-disordered breathing.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block the airway. These pauses in breathing can happen hundreds of times a night, disrupting sleep and reducing the body’s oxygen supply.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Untreated OSA can significantly impact your quality of life and lead to serious health risks. You may be suffering from sleep apnea if you experience:
Loud, habitual snoring
Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep (witnessed by another person)
Gasping or choking for air during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
Irritability and mood swings
3 Locations To Serve You in Spokane, WA.
Mon: 7:30 AM-5:00PM
Tue: 7:30 AM-5:00PM
Wed: 7:30 AM-5:00PM
Thur: 7:30 AM-5:00PM
Fri: 7:30 AM-5:00PM
How Damon Orthodontics Treats Sleep Apnea
For patients suffering from snoring and mild to moderate OSA, a CPAP machine is not the only option. At Damon Orthodontics, we specialize in a comfortable and effective alternative: Oral Appliance Therapy.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy uses a custom-fabricated dental device, similar to a retainer or mouthguard, that you wear while you sleep. The appliance is designed to maintain an open, unobstructed airway by repositioning your lower jaw or tongue. This prevents the airway collapse that causes snoring and sleep apnea.
Key benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy include:
Comfortable: Custom-fit to your mouth for maximum comfort.
Convenient: Small, portable, and easy to care for.
Non-Invasive: A simple and effective alternative to CPAP machines.
Quiet: No noise to disturb you or your partner.
Airway-Focused Orthodontics for Children and Adolescents
At Damon Orthodontics, we are proactive about airway health. Drs. Clay and Paul Damon screen every adolescent patient for sleep-disordered breathing as part of their initial orthodontic evaluation. In children, issues like enlarged tonsils and adenoids or a narrow palate can contribute to breathing problems and have been linked to health issues like ADHD and cognitive impairment.
If needed, our doctors may recommend an evaluation with an ENT and combine orthodontic therapy to improve your child’s airway, promoting better sleep patterns and long-term health.
Why Choose Damon Orthodontics for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
As leaders in airway-focused orthodontics, Drs. Clay and Paul Damon have the specialized training to diagnose and treat sleep-disordered breathing. Our practice was founded by the inventor of the world-renowned Damon System, and we continue that legacy of innovation by providing the most advanced, patient-focused care in Spokane.
We understand the connection between oral structure and overall health, and we are committed to providing solutions that do more than create a beautiful smile—they enhance your quality of life.
Take the First Step Towards Better Sleep
If you or a loved one is struggling with snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation at one of our three convenient locations in Spokane to learn if Oral Appliance Therapy is the right solution for you.
FAQ
What causes sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is most commonly caused by the relaxation of throat muscles during sleep, which results in a blocked airway. Contributing factors can include obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, certain jaw or facial shapes, smoking, alcohol use, and family history. In children, enlarged adenoids or tonsils are a common cause.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy effective?
Yes, Oral Appliance Therapy is clinically proven to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Custom oral appliances are comfortable, easy to use, and can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health in suitable patients. Our team at Damon Orthodontics will help you determine if this therapy is the best fit for your needs.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
A diagnosis starts with an evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. Confirmation is usually made through a sleep study (polysomnography), either at a specialized clinic or at home, which monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and other vital signs during sleep. We can coordinate with local sleep specialists to ensure a proper diagnosis.
Can children have sleep apnea?
Yes, children can suffer from sleep apnea, often due to enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or developmental jaw issues. Sleep apnea in children can lead to daytime tiredness, behavioral problems, poor school performance, and other health concerns. Early evaluation and airway-focused orthodontic guidance can help your child breathe—and thrive—more easily.
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can severely impact both short-term and long-term health. Risks include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, daytime fatigue, memory issues, and decreased quality of life. In children, sleep-disordered breathing can affect growth, behavior, and academic performance. Seeking diagnosis and treatment is important for lifelong well-being.