Airway and Sleep Solutions

Oral Myofunctional Therapy for Children and Adults

Oral Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a program of guided exercises and habit training that focuses on the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face. At Top Down Dental, we see both children and adults for oral function and airway-related concerns. For appropriate patients with milder sleep apnea or sleep-related concerns, OMT may be considered as part of an individualized plan, with medical evaluation and sleep testing when indicated.

OMT works on everyday functions such as breathing patterns, swallowing, tongue posture at rest, and oral habits. These patterns may also influence dental development. Depending on your evaluation, the goals may include more coordinated oral function and support for sleep and quality of life. Benefits vary, and OMT is not a replacement for prescribed sleep apnea treatment. We connect oral function with airway health and overall wellness without assuming every sleep concern has a dental cause.

When Might a Frenectomy Be Considered?

A frenectomy is a procedure to release or remove a restrictive band of tissue called a frenum. If restricted tongue movement is affecting oral function, Top Down Dental may discuss frenectomy for an appropriate child or adult. The decision is based on functional assessment and symptoms, not simply the appearance of the tissue. OMT and a frenectomy may be considered together when appropriate, with a plan for follow-up and coordination of care.

A frenectomy is not a routine treatment for every patient with snoring or mild sleep apnea, and it is not a guaranteed sleep apnea cure. Sleep concerns require assessment of the broader medical and airway picture. Our team explains the reason for any recommended procedure, alternatives, and how it relates to your oral function goals before you decide on treatment.

Sleep-related breathing problems can involve more than just the airway. Jaw position, tongue posture, bite alignment, and existing dental work may all affect how comfortably you breathe at night. Our team focuses on identifying oral factors that may contribute to your symptoms and creating a practical plan for the next step in your care.

Signs You May Need an Airway or Sleep Evaluation

Loud snoring, pauses in breathing, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating can all be signs that further evaluation may be appropriate. Some patients may also experience chronic dental wear, jaw discomfort, or other oral symptoms.

Early screening can help identify signs that warrant additional evaluation or sleep testing. At Top Down Dental, we use symptom questionnaires, a focused oral exam, and a detailed evaluation of your teeth, bite, and jaw to determine whether imaging or a referral for a sleep study may be appropriate.

How We Evaluate Your Airway and Bite

Our Airway & Sleep Solutions program combines dental evaluation with a broader look at factors that may affect nighttime breathing.

When indicated, we use 3D CBCT imaging to evaluate oral and facial anatomy, including jaw position and airway space. We may also evaluate bite forces and tooth contact with TekScan technology.

If signs of temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, are present, we can assess muscle tension and jaw function as part of a more comprehensive evaluation. A TENS unit may also be used when muscle relaxation can provide useful diagnostic information.

These tools help us better understand how your bite, jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures may be contributing to your symptoms.

What Happens During an Airway Evaluation?

We follow a clear diagnostic process so you know what to expect during your visit. Depending on your symptoms and needs, your evaluation may include:

• A review of your medical and sleep history, symptom questionnaires, and partner observations
• An oral exam and bite analysis
• Intraoral photographs and digital impressions, when needed
• Digital X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging to evaluate the teeth, jaws, and surrounding anatomy

After your evaluation, we review the findings with you and explain what they may mean. If additional medical testing is appropriate, we can coordinate care with your physician or a sleep medicine provider.

Can a Dentist Help With Snoring or Sleep Apnea?

A dentist can evaluate whether oral and dental factors such as jaw position, bite alignment, tongue posture, or oral anatomy may be contributing to nighttime breathing problems.

Dentists can also provide certain treatment options, including oral appliance therapy, when appropriate. If symptoms suggest obstructive sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, medical evaluation and sleep testing may also be needed. Our team can help coordinate that next step when necessary.

Treatment Options for Sleep-Related Breathing Problems

Treatment depends on your symptoms, anatomy, diagnosis, and individual needs.

For some patients, a custom oral appliance may be recommended to help support a more open airway during sleep. These appliances are made from digital impressions and adjusted for comfort and fit.

Other treatment options may include:

• Custom oral appliance therapy
• Myofunctional therapy to support healthier tongue posture and breathing patterns
• Evaluation of dental or bite-related factors that may contribute to symptoms
• Coordination with a sleep physician for overnight testing, CPAP evaluation, or additional medical care

Our goal is to recommend treatment that supports both your dental health and your overall sleep-related needs.

What Is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

An oral appliance is a custom-made dental device worn during sleep. It is designed to reposition the lower jaw to help maintain a more open airway.

Oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for some patients with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, depending on their diagnosis and medical recommendations. Your treatment plan should be based on a complete evaluation and, when necessary, coordination with a sleep physician.

Who May Benefit From an Airway Evaluation?

An airway evaluation may be appropriate for children who snore, adults who regularly wake feeling tired, or patients experiencing symptoms such as jaw pain, chronic tooth wear, gasping during sleep, or persistent daytime sleepiness.

At Top Down Dental, Dr. Rana Alan and Dr. Nancy Nehawandian work together to evaluate airway concerns while considering your overall dental health.

When appropriate, our team may also use intraoral cameras, iTero scans, and oral microbiome testing as part of a comprehensive evaluation. We explain the findings, treatment options, and potential trade-offs so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Preparing for Your Airway Evaluation in Los Gatos

Plan for approximately 60–90 minutes for a comprehensive airway evaluation. If available, bring:

• Previous sleep study reports
• A current list of medications
• Notes about symptoms such as snoring, gasping, restless sleep, morning headaches, or daytime sleepiness

Our office uses digital X-rays, CBCT imaging, and intraoral technology to gather detailed information efficiently. After the evaluation, we will walk you through the findings, discuss possible next steps, and provide a written plan outlining any recommended treatment or referrals.

Ready to Breathe Easier?

If poor sleep, snoring, or daytime fatigue is affecting your quality of life, a dental airway evaluation may help determine whether oral or structural factors could be contributing.

Call Top Down Dental in Los Gatos to schedule an airway evaluation with Dr. Rana Alan or Dr. Nancy Nehawandian. Our team can answer your questions about testing, oral appliance therapy, and possible next steps based on your individual needs.