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Myofunctional Therapy for Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

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Sleep-disordered breathing can quietly disrupt your health, energy, and quality of life. Conditions such as mouth breathing, snoring, airway restriction, and mild sleep apnea often stem from improper muscle function in the face, tongue, and airway. At Dreamwell Center, we offer Myofunctional Therapy for Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Santa Rosa Beach to address these issues at their root.

Our therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, jaw, and face to support proper breathing, airway stability, and healthy sleep patterns for patients of all ages.

Understanding Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing refers to a spectrum of conditions that interfere with normal airflow during sleep. These disruptions may not always reach the level of diagnosed sleep apnea, yet they can still significantly impact sleep quality and overall health.

Common forms of sleep-disordered breathing include:

  • Chronic mouth breathing

  • Snoring

  • Upper airway resistance

  • Mild obstructive sleep apnea

  • Poor tongue posture during sleep

Left untreated, these issues can contribute to fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, jaw tension, and long-term airway problems.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a structured, exercise-based program designed to improve the function and coordination of the muscles involved in breathing, swallowing, chewing, and speech. When used for sleep-disordered breathing, myofunctional therapy helps promote nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, and airway stability during sleep.

At Dreamwell Center, myofunctional therapy is customized to each patient and integrated into a comprehensive approach to airway and sleep health.

How Myofunctional Therapy Helps Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Addressing the Root Cause

Many breathing disruptions during sleep are caused by weak or improperly functioning muscles of the tongue and airway. Myofunctional therapy works by strengthening and retraining these muscles to support optimal airflow.

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy

  • Promotes nasal breathing

  • Improves tongue posture and muscle tone

  • Reduces airway collapse during sleep

  • Decreases snoring

  • Supports better sleep quality

  • Enhances results of other sleep treatments

For patients seeking non-invasive sleep therapy in Santa Rosa Beach, myofunctional therapy offers an effective and natural solution.

Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy for sleep-disordered breathing in Santa Rosa Beach may be ideal for:

  • Adults with snoring or mild sleep apnea

  • Individuals with chronic mouth breathing

  • Patients with tongue-tie or low tongue posture

  • Children with airway or breathing issues

  • Patients using oral appliances who want better results

  • Individuals with TMJ, clenching, or jaw tension

A thorough evaluation at Dreamwell Center helps determine whether myofunctional therapy is appropriate for your needs.

Signs You May Have Sleep-Disordered Breathing

You may benefit from an evaluation if you experience:

  • Snoring or noisy breathing at night

  • Mouth breathing during sleep or daytime

  • Dry mouth upon waking

  • Restless or unrefreshing sleep

  • Daytime fatigue or brain fog

  • Jaw tension or clenching

  • Headaches or facial discomfort

These symptoms often indicate underlying airway or muscle dysfunction that myofunctional therapy can address.

Myofunctional Therapy Process at Dreamwell Center

Step 1: Comprehensive Airway & Muscle Evaluation

We assess tongue posture, breathing patterns, jaw position, facial muscle balance, and sleep-related symptoms.

Step 2: Personalized Therapy Plan

Based on your evaluation, we create a customized myofunctional therapy program designed to improve airway function and breathing efficiency.

Step 3: Guided Exercises & Training

Patients are taught specific exercises to strengthen and retrain oral and facial muscles. These exercises are simple, non-invasive, and performed regularly at home.

Step 4: Progress Monitoring & Adjustments

We track progress and adjust the therapy plan as needed to ensure long-term success.

Myofunctional Therapy and Sleep Apnea Treatment

Supporting Other Sleep Therapies

Myofunctional therapy is often used alongside other sleep treatments, including:

  • Oral appliance therapy

  • TMJ treatment

  • Airway-focused therapy

  • Sleep apnea management

For many patients, combining myofunctional therapy in Santa Rosa Beach with other treatments leads to improved outcomes and greater comfort.

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Santa Rosa Beach Residents

Patients who complete myofunctional therapy often report:

  • Improved breathing during sleep

  • Reduced snoring

  • Better sleep quality

  • Increased daytime energy

  • Improved jaw and facial muscle balance

  • Enhanced effectiveness of oral appliances

Because it addresses muscle function, myofunctional therapy supports long-term airway health rather than temporary symptom relief.

Why Choose Dreamwell Center in Santa Rosa Beach?

At Dreamwell Center, we take a holistic and patient-centered approach to sleep-disordered breathing.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Expertise in airway-focused therapy

  • Personalized myofunctional therapy programs

  • Integration with sleep, TMJ, and oral appliance care

  • Non-invasive, drug-free treatment options

  • Trusted care for Santa Rosa Beach and nearby communities

We proudly serve patients from Santa Rosa Beach, Seagrove Beach, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, and surrounding areas.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Sleep-disordered breathing can worsen over time if left untreated. Early intervention with myofunctional therapy may help prevent progression into more severe sleep apnea and reduce long-term health risks.

Improving muscle function and airway support can positively impact sleep, breathing, posture, and overall wellness.

Schedule Myofunctional Therapy in Santa Rosa Beach Today

If you’re experiencing snoring, mouth breathing, or poor sleep quality, myofunctional therapy at Dreamwell Center may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

 Book your myofunctional therapy consultation in Santa Rosa Beach today and take the first step toward healthier breathing and better sleep.

Our Doctors

Brush Up on Our Dentist's Expertise
Dr. Michael O'Donnell DMD
Dr. Michael O’Donnell opened Dreamwell Center in early 2019 to bring quality comprehensive treatment of TMJ and sleep disorders to patients in Northwest Florida.

Dreamwell Center is recognized on the Inc. 5000, reflecting strong leadership, operational integrity, and consistent growth
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Dr. Chris Farrugia DDS
Dr. Farrugia began treating sleep disorders at his private dental practice in 2013 and has been diagnosing and treating TMD/TMJ for over 25 years.
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Dr. Noana Issar-Grill DDS
Originally from Maryland, Dr. Noana Issar-Grill has called Florida home for quite some time. She has spent almost 24 years in the Air Force treating TMJ/TMD and sleep apnea patients. Prior to her time in the military, she was in private practice in Maryland. She is a Diplomate in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

She has two children; a son who lives near Washington D.C. and a daughter who lives in New York City. She has a deep passion for sleep medicine and thoroughly enjoys helping patients to live a better life. She enjoys traveling around the world, spending time with her family and reading.
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How we serve you better

Where Science Meets Smiles
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Reposition the lower jaw forward during sleep to maintain an open airway, reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms for better rest quality.
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Digital Impression Scanners
Capture precise 3D images of teeth using optical technology, eliminating messy traditional molds while improving accuracy and patient comfort for restorations.
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CBCT Machine
Provides detailed 3D images of teeth, bones, soft tissues, and airways, enabling dentists to diagnose issues that might not be visible on traditional 2D X-rays.
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Airway Analysis Software
Precisely evaluates a patient's upper airway dimensions using 3D imaging, helping dentists diagnose sleep-related breathing disorders and plan treatments.
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Jaw Measurement Devices
Devices precisely track mandibular movements, bite force, occlusal relationships, and temporomandibular joint function for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
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Digital Patient Questionnaires
Streamline intake, securely collect medical history and symptoms, reduce paperwork, ensure accurate records, and save time for both patients and dental staff.
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Panoramic X-rays
A comprehensive, 360-degree view of the entire mouth, teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures in a single image, enabling better diagnosis  for various dental conditions.
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Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography reduces radiation exposure and provides high-quality images for better diagnosis.
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TRIOS Intraoral Scanner
Create precise 3D digital impressions of patients' teeth without using  messy putty materials, leading to more accurate restorations.
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Cephalometric X-rays
Analyze facial growth, airway problems, and jaw relationships to better plan treatments like braces or jaw surgery.
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Oral Appliance Adjustment Tools
Precisely modify dental devices for optimal fit, comfort, and functionality through specialized pliers, burs, torches, and articulating paper.
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Bite Registration Materials
Materials accurately capture jaw relationships, aiding in precise occlusal analysis and ensuring proper fit of dental restorations during laboratory fabrication.
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Blood Pressure Monitors
Dental offices use blood pressure monitors to assess cardiovascular health before procedures, ensuring patient safety and identifying potential risks during treatment.
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Mallampati Classification Charts
Visually assess a patient's airway by categorizing visibility of oral structures (I-IV), helping predict intubation difficulty and anesthesia risks.
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Soft Tissue Laser
Enables more precise, less invasive procedures with reduced bleeding, faster healing times, and often less need for anesthesia compared to traditional dental tools.
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Height and Weight Scales
Assess BMI, correlate oral health with body metrics, track growth patterns for pediatric patients, and inform safe anesthetic dosing during procedures.
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DEKA Laser
Provide versatile dental solutions for soft/hard tissue procedures, offering precision cutting, reduced bleeding, faster healing, minimal discomfort, and enhanced patient comfort.
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Laser Systems for Tissue Reduction
Precisely target and vaporize excess tissue with minimal bleeding, faster healing, reduced pain, and enhanced precision for gum contouring and lesion removal.
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Calipers for Anatomical Measurements
Precisely measure anatomical features like tooth dimensions, interdental spaces, and gingival margins, aiding in diagnosis, treatment planning, and prosthetic design.
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Autoclave Sterilization
Uses high-pressure steam to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and spores on dental instruments, ensuring patient safety and preventing cross-contamination between procedures.
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Tongue Depressors
Flat wooden or plastic tools used by dental professionals to gently press the tongue down, providing better visibility of the oral cavity during examinations.
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Appliance Cleaning Solutions and Containers
Our eco-friendly appliance cleaning solutions come in convenient, spill-proof containers for efficient sanitization of all dental equipment, ensuring patient safety.
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Testimonials

OUR CROWING ACHEIVEMENTS
100+ reviews
"April has been so nice and welcoming in setting up my appointments, also giving so much information about all my options for financing or products that may help my sleep apnea! Khyla is wonderful taking care of all my needs in the back with keeping me well informed on all of the things being done or devices I need to use while always making sure I'm comfortable!"
"A wonderful experience! The care and compassion Dr. Noana, Khyla, and April have is outstanding. I feel I am in very competent hands on this journey to wellness."
"I’m about midway through my treatment for sleep apnea at the Dreamwell Center, and am pleased about the progress I’ve made so far. Dr. Noana has been very encouraging, which helps to keep me motivated, and Khyla is always available for technical assistance and moral support. April keeps me on track with my appointments and understands if I make a last minute change. And I really appreciate the complimentary Iced Pear flavored lip balm with SPF!"
"My daughter had an office visit with Dr. Noana. We had a great experience with the other office staff, Kayla & April. Everyone was very kind & professional."
"What a great team! April, Kristi and Khyla are very welcoming and put you at ease right away. They answer all questions professionally and clearly. I am very comfortable with my visits there."
"We recently moved to the area and thrilled to have access to this practice and type of dental/airway treatment. My children had a great first appointment at their beautiful practice."

FAQ

Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?

It is recommended to visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your individual oral health needs.

What should I do if I have a toothache?

If you experience a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth. If the pain persists, contact your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate discomfort until you can see your dentist.

How can I prevent cavities?

To prevent cavities, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential for maintaining good oral health.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose or shifting teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

What payment options do you accept?

We accept most major dental insurance plans, as well as cash, credit cards, and financing options through third-party providers. Please contact our office for more information on specific payment options and to verify your insurance coverage.

What should I do in a dental emergency?

In case of a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or broken dental appliance, contact our office immediately. We reserve time in our daily schedule for emergency appointments and will provide you with instructions on how to handle your situation until you can see the dentist.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes, modern dental X-rays are safe. The amount of radiation exposure from a dental X-ray is minimal, and dentists take precautions to minimize exposure by using lead aprons and collars. X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool for detecting dental issues that may not be visible during a regular exam.