Snoring & Airway Appliance in Kent and Sammamish
Airway & Sleep Orthodontics at Freelove
Pediatric airway problems are treated differently. If your child mouth-breathes, snores, or has a long narrow face, the first step is not a mandibular advancement device, it is growth-based treatment. Start with the airway orthodontics page, the palatal expander page, or the mouth breathing page.
Freelove Does Not Diagnose Sleep Apnea
An iCat 3D CBCT scanner can show a narrow airway, retruded jaw, large adenoids, or tongue-space restriction, but imaging cannot measure breathing events during sleep. Only a sleep study ordered by a physician can diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Freelove screens, refers, and coordinates, the formal diagnosis comes from a sleep medicine physician or ENT.
Appliance Options for Airway Concerns
What the MAD Treats
Primary snoring, mild obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 5–15), and moderate OSA (AHI 15–30) in adults who prefer not to use CPAP or need a portable alternative for travel. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances as a first-line alternative for mild-to-moderate cases.
What the MAD Does Not Replace
Severe OSA (AHI above 30), CPAP or orthognathic surgery remain the standard of care. Central sleep apnea, caused by a brain-signaling issue, not an anatomical one. Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, treated with growth modification and expansion, not a mandibular device.
Step-by-Step: From Screening to Appliance
Freelove coordinates with the patient’s physician or sleep medicine specialist at every step. A physician diagnoses and prescribes; Freelove orders the appliance from a specialty lab, fits it, and monitors.
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Airway Screening
Dr. Freelove evaluates jaw position, tongue space, and iCat 3D CBCT scanner imaging for signs of obstruction.
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Physician Referral
Freelove refers to a sleep medicine physician or ENT for a sleep study, the only way to measure the AHI and confirm diagnosis.
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Diagnosis & Rx
The physician reviews results and prescribes an oral appliance if the patient qualifies. Severe cases may be routed to CPAP or orthognathic surgery instead.
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Scan & Fabrication
Digital Aoralscan 3 scan, no goopy impressions. Custom MAD fabricated by a specialty lab. Turnaround is typically 2–3 weeks.
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Fitting & Titration
Dr. Freelove delivers the appliance, adjusts advancement to the prescribed position, and verifies comfort. Patients begin nightly wear that evening.
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Follow-Up & Bite Monitoring
After 4–6 weeks, Dr. Freelove evaluates jaw comfort, checks the bite for long-term shifts, and adjusts titration. The physician may order a follow-up sleep study to confirm AHI reduction.
Related Airway & Breathing Pages
Airway problems take different forms depending on age and cause. These pages cover the conditions Freelove treats and the appliances used:
Airway Orthodontics, the Freelove approach to breathing-related orthodontic treatment for children and adults.
Mouth Breathing, causes, signs, and orthodontic treatment for habitual mouth breathing in children.
Palatal Expander, widening the upper jaw to improve nasal breathing in growing children.
Open Bite, when the front teeth do not overlap, often related to vertical growth excess or tongue habits.
Related Treatments
The mandibular advancement device is one approach to airway improvement. Depending on age, anatomy, and diagnosis, other orthodontic treatments may address the structural cause of the breathing problem:
MARPE Expansion
Widens the upper jaw at the skeletal level, increasing nasal airway volume. For teens and adults with matured midpalatal sutures who would otherwise need SARPE surgery.
Herbst & Casper
Advances the lower jaw forward in growing patients. Same mechanism as the MAD, but uses skeletal growth to make the change permanent rather than nightly.
Surgical Orthodontics (MMA)
For severe OSA. Maxillomandibular advancement repositions both jaws forward permanently. Freelove provides pre- and post-surgical orthodontics and coordinates with a maxillofacial surgeon.
For a complete overview of all airway treatment options across all ages, see the airway orthodontics hub.
Concerned About Snoring or Sleep Apnea?
Free airway screening. Freelove evaluates anatomy, coordinates with a sleep physician or ENT, and fabricates a custom appliance when the case qualifies. Community discounts apply.