Sleep Medicine in Poulsbo, WA
Better sleep means better health. If snoring, daytime fatigue, or restless nights sound familiar, Dr. Harris can help you find out why, and offer a comfortable path forward with custom oral sleep appliances.
Why Should I Consider Sleep Medicine?
Sleep apnea is far more common, and far more under-diagnosed, than most people realize. It's estimated that up to 1 in 4 men and 1 in 10 women have some degree of obstructive sleep apnea, and a large share of cases go undiagnosed entirely. Left untreated, sleep apnea does more than leave you tired. It's been linked to high blood pressure, heart problems, memory issues, and other whole-body health concerns. The good news is that it's very treatable, and it starts with a simple conversation.
Meet Your Sleep Specialist
Curious how sleep medicine works, or whether it's right for you? Dr. Harris, our sleep specialist, walks through what to expect from your first consultation. Video coming soon.
Most people who snore regularly have some degree of sleep apnea.
Ready To Schedule Your Consultation?
Call (360) 495-1116Could You Have Sleep Apnea?
If any of the following sound familiar, it may be worth a conversation with our team.
3D Airway Imaging
Using CBCT technology, Dr. Harris can capture a detailed 3D image of your airway right here in our office, giving us a clear picture of what may be contributing to your sleep symptoms.
Comfortable At-Home Testing
No overnight stay at a sleep lab required. If a sleep study is recommended, we'll mail a simple at-home test kit right to your door, so you can be evaluated in the comfort of your own bed.
Digital, Goopy-Free Scanning
If a custom sleep appliance is recommended, we use digital scanning technology to capture your smile, no messy impression trays required.
Your Sleep Medicine Journey
From your first consult to the delivery of your custom appliance, here's what treatment looks like at Nordic Family Dental.
Your Consultation
Your first appointment is a consult with Dr. Harris, our sleep specialist. He'll assess your airway and symptoms and take a CBCT scan to check your airway opening. If sleep apnea or a related sleep disorder seems likely, we'll get you set up with the next step.
At-Home Sleep Study
We'll mail you an easy at-home sleep study kit, so you can be evaluated overnight in your own bed. A doctor will remotely review your results to make a proper diagnosis.
Your Follow-Up Consult
You'll return to review your sleep study results together with Dr. Harris. If a sleep appliance is recommended, we'll use our digital scanner (no goopy impressions) to capture your smile and begin fabricating your custom appliance.
Appliance Delivery
Your final appointment is for the delivery and try-in of your custom sleep appliance, fitted and adjusted so it feels right from day one.
Oral Appliance vs. CPAP
CPAP machines are effective, but many patients find them difficult to use night after night. A custom oral sleep appliance offers real advantages for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea:
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
What is an at-home sleep study like?
An at-home sleep study is a simple, comfortable way to evaluate your sleep without spending the night at a sleep lab. We'll mail you a small, easy-to-use kit, and you'll wear it overnight in your own bed. Once complete, you'll return the kit to us, and a doctor will remotely review the results to determine whether sleep apnea or another sleep disorder is present.
How is a sleep appliance different from a night guard?
While both fit over your teeth, a sleep appliance is designed specifically to gently reposition your jaw and keep your airway open through the night, while a night guard is designed to protect your teeth from grinding. If you've been using a night guard for grinding but haven't addressed why you're grinding, it's worth asking whether an underlying sleep issue might be the cause.
Is a sleep appliance covered by insurance?
Oral sleep appliances are often covered under medical insurance, rather than dental insurance, since sleep apnea is a medical condition. Our team can help you understand your coverage and walk you through the process during your consultation.
Can a sleep appliance help even if my sleep apnea is mild?
Yes. Oral appliance therapy is considered just as effective as CPAP for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, and many patients find it far easier to stick with consistently than a CPAP machine.
What if I already use a CPAP machine?
If you have a CPAP machine but struggle to use it consistently, you're not alone. A custom oral appliance can be a comfortable alternative, and in some cases, the two can even be used together to lower the pressure settings needed on your CPAP.
