Sleep Apnea Treatment · Montesano, WA
Sleep Better Without a CPAP
Snoring, gasping at night, or waking up tired? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be disrupting your sleep without you knowing it. Dr. Kevin Farr is trained in oral appliance therapy (OAT), a comfortable, non-invasive treatment for snoring and OSA, and a proven alternative to CPAP.
On this page: What Is OSA · Symptoms · Diagnosis · Treatment Options · Oral Appliance Therapy · Getting Started · FAQ
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
When the muscles relax during sleep, soft tissue in the throat can collapse and block the airway. Breathing may stop for a few seconds to over a minute at a time. Each pause ends with a brief awakening that disturbs your sleep, often without you realizing it.
Common Symptoms
Loud or frequent snoring
Silent pauses in breathing, choking, or gasping
Waking up unrefreshed
Daytime tiredness
Morning headaches
Waking often at night to use the bathroom
Trouble concentrating or remembering things
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
A physician must diagnose OSA. Start by asking your primary care doctor for a sleep evaluation.
Sleep study. An overnight study at a sleep center or a home sleep apnea test (HSAT), which we offer here at Montesano Dental.
Results. A sleep specialist interprets the study and confirms whether you have OSA.
Treatment Options
CPAP therapy — The most common treatment that uses a mask and air pressure to keep the airway open.
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) — An effective, non-invasive option, and an alternative for many patients who can’t tolerate CPAP.
Surgery — Recommended in some cases by your physician.
Oral Appliance Therapy at Montesano Dental
An oral appliance looks like an orthodontic retainer and is worn only while you sleep. It supports your lower jaw in a forward position to help keep your upper airway open, reducing snoring and sleep apnea.
Custom-fitted — Dr. Farr makes your appliance from impressions and models of your mouth.
Comfortable and quiet — Easy to wear, with no mask, hose, or machine noise.
Travel-friendly — Portable and easy to clean.
Real results — With nightly use, many patients notice better sleep and more energy.
Dr. Farr also treats TMJ disorders and grinding. See all of our dental services or meet Dr. Farr.
Getting Started
Home sleep test — We offer convenient home sleep tests to get the diagnosis required before treatment, so you can be tested in your own bed.
Already diagnosed? — Bring your sleep study results and we'll take impressions to fit your custom appliance.
Checking your results — Once you're using your appliance, we use the same home sleep test to confirm your treatment is working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance? Yes. Obstructive sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, usually through an overnight sleep study or a home sleep apnea test. Ask your primary care doctor for a sleep evaluation.
Is an oral appliance an alternative to CPAP? Yes. Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for snoring and OSA and is a common option for patients who prefer not to use, or can’t tolerate, CPAP. Your physician and Dr. Farr will help decide what’s right for you.
How does an oral appliance work? It holds your lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, which helps keep your upper airway open so you can breathe and sleep without interruption.
Can an oral appliance help with snoring? Yes. Oral appliance therapy treats both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
What is it like to wear? Most patients find it comfortable, quiet, easy to clean, and convenient for travel. It is custom-made from impressions of your mouth and worn only while you sleep.
Ready to Book?
Have concerns about snoring or sleep apnea? Our team is ready to answer your questions about OSA and oral appliance therapy.
Serving Montesano, Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Ocean Shores, Westport, Elma, and all of Grays Harbor. 111 E Broadway Ave, Montesano, WA 98563 · (360) 249-5100 · frontdesk@montesanodental.com