PHONE - 425-228-6444300 Pelly Ave. N., Renton, WA 98057
MAKE A PAYMENT

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Renton, WA

Do you snore loudly? Wake up gasping for air? Feel exhausted even after a full night's sleep? You might have sleep apnea—a serious condition that affects millions of Americans. At Michael J. Scoles, DMD in Renton, WA, we offer oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines that can help you breathe easier and sleep better.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, blocking your airway. Your brain senses this lack of oxygen and briefly wakes you up to reopen your airway—often so briefly you don't remember it. This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night.

Signs and Symptoms

Many people with sleep apnea don't realize they have it. Common signs include:

  • Loud, chronic snoring – Often reported by a bed partner
  • Gasping or choking during sleep – Waking up feeling like you can't breathe
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness – Feeling tired no matter how much you sleep
  • Morning headaches – Especially upon waking
  • Difficulty concentrating – Brain fog and memory problems
  • Irritability or mood changes – Depression or anxiety
  • High blood pressure – Sleep apnea is linked to hypertension

Why Treatment Matters

Untreated sleep apnea isn't just about being tired. It's linked to serious health problems:

  • High blood pressure and heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Liver problems
  • Increased risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue

The good news? Treatment can dramatically improve your health and quality of life.

Oral Appliance Therapy

While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are effective, many patients find them uncomfortable, noisy, and difficult to travel with. That's where oral appliance therapy comes in.

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device that you wear while you sleep. It works by:

  • Repositioning your lower jaw slightly forward
  • Keeping your tongue from falling back into your throat
  • Maintaining an open airway throughout the night

Benefits of Oral Appliances

Compared to CPAP machines, oral appliances offer several advantages:

  • Comfortable – Small, lightweight, and easy to wear
  • Quiet – No noise to disturb you or your partner
  • Portable – Easy to travel with
  • No electricity needed – Perfect for camping or power outages
  • Easy to clean – Simple maintenance
  • High compliance – Patients are more likely to use them consistently

The Treatment Process

Getting your oral appliance is straightforward:

  1. Diagnosis – If you haven't been diagnosed, we'll refer you for a sleep study
  2. Consultation – Dr. Michael Scoles or Dr. Kimberly Reyes will evaluate whether you're a good candidate for oral appliance therapy
  3. Custom fitting – We'll take detailed impressions to create an appliance that fits you perfectly
  4. Delivery and adjustment – We'll make sure your appliance is comfortable and effective
  5. Follow-up – We'll monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Oral appliance therapy works best for patients with:

  • Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
  • Severe sleep apnea who can't tolerate CPAP
  • Primary snoring without apnea

Take Control of Your Sleep

If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have been diagnosed but can't tolerate CPAP, oral appliance therapy might be the solution you've been looking for. Call Michael J. Scoles, DMD at 425-228-6444 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Scoles or Dr. Kimberly Reyes in Renton, WA. Better sleep—and better health—are within reach.