Our Mission
At SoundBridge Dental Sleep Apnea Therapy, our passion is educating patients about obstructive sleep apnea while ensuring the appropriate diagnosis and tailoring treatment options to increase longevity and optimize quality of life. We pride ourselves on spending time listening to our patients, collaborating with their health care team and being a resource to physicians and other health care providers. We strive to be proficient in the use of many types of oral appliances in order to personalize each patient’s obstructive sleep apnea treatment.
Sleep Apnea &
Snoring Solutions
As one of the only South Sound dentists who is committed to sleep therapy full time, Dr. Iregui is dedicated to helping patients understand the connection between snoring, sleep apnea, and their overall health.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that afflicts over 18 million Americans. Dr. Iregui knows the risks sleep apnea can pose to your health and overall wellbeing. That’s why she encourages individuals with symptoms to seek professional treatment as soon as they receive a diagnosis. Neglecting treatment can result in serious consequences that can compromise the ability to do simple tasks. Explore sleep apnea and snoring solutions in Gig Harbor today.
Sleep Apnea Assessment
Dr. Iregui recommends a one hour initial assessment for individuals seeking sleep apnea treatment. During this visit, she’ll discuss the symptoms of sleep apnea, as well as your specific diagnosis and available treatment options. Contact Dr. Iregui today and find out if oral appliance therapy is right for you.
The Best Options
At SoundBridge Dental Sleep Therapy, we only offer the best options for our patients. We’ll work closely with you and your physician in order to provide treatment tailored to your specific needs. Whether your case is simple or complex, we’ll walk you through the process and determine the best solution for your sleep apnea.
Oral Appliances
While traditional sleep apnea treatments such as CPAP therapy is often described as the gold standard for treatment, it’s not always the best option. Unlike CPAP treatment, an oral appliance is easy to use, comfortable, convenient, and non-invasive, resulting in effective treatment tailored to your specific needs. At SoundBridge Dental Sleep Therapy, we work with a variety of brands and appliances to efficiently treat patients of multiple backgrounds. Discover how an oral appliance can help treat your sleep apnea and alleviate your symptoms.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, disrupting the lives of millions of Americans every year. This disease affects a person’s ability to breathe properly while sleeping. It’s caused by an obstructed airway which is often the result of collapsed soft tissue. This blockage restricts airflow to the lungs and this causes symptoms such as snoring and fatigue to develop over time. While sleep apnea requires immediate treatment, it can go unnoticed for years due to its quiet presence. Therefore, it’s important to know what sleep apnea is and how to properly identify it before more serious consequences ensue. Explore sleep apnea causes, symptoms, and treatment today!
Meet Diplomate with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine Dr. Chiarina Iregui
“The more I learn about sleep, the more I want to learn. Sleep is such a vital part of our wellbeing, and so many people are not getting the quality and/or quantity that they need to live a healthy life. I have dedicated my practice of dentistry exclusively to treating patients who suffer from sleep apnea and remain the only dentist in Gig Harbor to do so.
Starting in November of 2014, I committed myself to work towards obtaining the title Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Diplomate status is the gold standard in dental sleep medicine, demonstrating that a dentist has the technical skills, in-depth knowledge, and professional judgment to provide optimal appliance therapy treatment.
In June of 2017, I earned my Diplomate status of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. I’m one of only two Diplomates in Pierce, Kitsap, and Thurston Counties. In addition, I’ve obtained over 50 hours of dental sleep medicine continuing education per year to continue providing my patients with optimal care they deserve.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dentists treat sleep apnea?
Yes, dentists can provide treatment options for sleep apnea. While a physician may prescribe a CPAP (continuous-positive airway pressure) machine for sleep apnea treatment, this isn’t your only treatment option. Many people dislike their CPAP and seek an alternative.
Dr. Iregui can provide a convenient and comfortable oral appliance. These oral appliances are like mouthguards, but they’re created uniquely to treat sleep apnea by keeping your airway open. Dr. Iregui can also provide guidance on how you can alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms through lifestyle changes.
How can a dentist tell if you have sleep apnea?
A dentist can tell if you have sleep apnea because there are often signs of the disorder in your mouth and throat. Your dentist is likely the person who examines your throat and mouth the most often. Dentists are educated on the health of these areas, so they’ll be able to tell if something is wrong.
While your dentist may be able to point out signs of sleep apnea, you must be formally diagnosed by a physician to receive treatment. You’ll be diagnosed with the help of a sleep test, which monitors your body while you’re asleep to detect any issues.
Once you have a diagnosis of sleep apnea, Dr. Iregui can help you with a treatment plan. With a convenient mouthguard and some lifestyle changes, you won’t have to worry about sleep apnea.
Do mouthguards help with sleep apnea?
Yes, specially-created oral appliances can help with sleep apnea. But regular mouthguards don’t help with sleep apnea. The difference between regular mouthguards and sleep apnea mouthguards is that an oral appliance can keep your airway open while you’re asleep.
In many cases, oral appliances are just as effective as CPAP machines for treating sleep apnea. Your health can begin to improve and you’ll have more energy throughout the day to spend with the people you love and on the activities that bring you joy.