Airway-Focused Dentistry in Tacoma
Most dental offices treat teeth. Dr. Nicole Ancich treats the whole system: teeth, jaw, airway, and how they work together. Since 2017, she has pursued advanced airway and breathing education through The Breathe Institute, bringing functional, airway-focused care to her Old Town Tacoma practice.
If you snore, wake up tired, clench your jaw, or have been told you need a CPAP, this page is for you.
What Is Airway Dentistry?
Airway dentistry looks at how the structures of your mouth, jaw, and throat affect your ability to breathe, especially during sleep. A narrow airway, a recessed jaw, or a tongue that falls back during sleep can cause snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue.
Traditional dentistry addresses teeth in isolation. Airway-focused care considers the relationship between your bite, your jaw position, and the space available for air to move. That perspective changes which treatments make sense and why.
Dr. Ancich began studying airway dentistry through The Breathe Institute in 2017 and has integrated it into every comprehensive exam since. She evaluates airway function as part of routine care, not as a separate specialty.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Without CPAP
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the soft tissues in your throat collapse during sleep, blocking airflow. The standard treatment is a CPAP machine, which works well for some patients but is difficult for many to tolerate. Compliance rates with CPAP remain low.
Oral appliance therapy is an alternative. A custom-fitted device holds your lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, keeping the airway open. It is quiet, portable, and does not require a mask, hose, or power outlet.
Dr. Ancich fabricates and fits these appliances in our Tacoma office. Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation, including a review of any existing sleep study. If you do not have a sleep study, we can help coordinate one with your physician.
TMJ and TMD Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull. When the joint, the muscles around it, or the way your teeth come together are out of balance, the result is pain, clicking, locking, headaches, or difficulty chewing. That cluster of symptoms is commonly called TMD (temporomandibular disorder).
TMJ and TMD often overlap with airway problems. A jaw that is positioned too far back can compress the airway and contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. Treating one without evaluating the other misses part of the picture.
Dr. Ancich evaluates jaw function, bite alignment, and airway together. Treatment may include an oral appliance, bite adjustment, or a referral to a specialist when surgery or orthodontics is the better path.
Signs You May Benefit From Airway Evaluation
Sleep and Breathing
Loud or chronic snoring. Waking up gasping or choking. Feeling unrested despite a full night of sleep. Morning headaches. A CPAP you cannot tolerate.
Jaw and Pain
Jaw pain or stiffness. Clicking or popping when you open your mouth. Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism). Frequent tension headaches or earaches.
General
Chronic daytime fatigue. Difficulty concentrating. A partner who reports that you stop breathing during sleep. A diagnosis of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
If any of these sound familiar, an airway evaluation during your next comprehensive exam is a good starting point.
Why a Dentist for Sleep Apnea?
Dentists who practice airway-focused care are uniquely positioned to screen for sleep-disordered breathing. You see your dentist more often than most other healthcare providers, and the structures that cause obstruction are right there in the treatment chair.
Dr. Ancich can identify risk factors during a routine exam: tongue size and position, tonsil visibility, jaw development, and wear patterns from clenching. That screening leads to earlier intervention, often before symptoms become severe enough for a sleep lab referral.
Oral appliance therapy is recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a treatment for mild to moderate OSA and for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. Dr. Ancich works with your physician or sleep specialist to coordinate care.
Nicole and her team always do a great job! I had some cavities taken care of today and it was easy and pain free!
Chad P. on Google
Common Questions About Airway Dentistry
What is the difference between airway dentistry and regular dentistry?
Regular dentistry focuses on teeth and gums. Airway dentistry adds evaluation of how your jaw, tongue, and throat structures affect your breathing, particularly during sleep. Dr. Ancich incorporates both into every comprehensive exam.
Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances are recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as an effective treatment. They are also recommended for patients with severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP. Effectiveness depends on the severity of your condition and the fit of the device.
Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance?
Yes. A diagnosis of sleep apnea from a physician or board-certified sleep specialist is required before oral appliance therapy can begin. If you do not have a sleep study, we can help coordinate one.
Does insurance cover oral appliance therapy?
Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliances for diagnosed sleep apnea. Coverage varies by plan. Call our office at (253) 383-5636 and we will help you check your benefits before treatment begins.
Can TMJ problems cause sleep apnea?
TMJ disorders and sleep apnea are related but separate conditions. A recessed or misaligned jaw can narrow the airway and contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. Treating jaw alignment can sometimes improve both TMD symptoms and airway function.
How long does it take to get an oral appliance?
After your evaluation and any necessary sleep study, the appliance is custom-fabricated and typically ready within two to three weeks. A follow-up visit ensures proper fit and function.
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