(616) 288-2554
820 84th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
Call Us

New Patients: (616) 288-2554

Existing Patients: (616) 455-7310

Request An Appointment
Woman sleeping peacefully
Sleep Apnea Appliance Therapy
Home » Sleep Apnea Appliance Therapy

Benefit from an easy-to-use, low-maintenance alternative to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea 

Options to treat sleep apnea abound and are available at your trusted family dental practice in Byron Center. Michigan. Our team at VanderLaan Family Dentistry provides alternatives to the long-time, go-to treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: CPAP. With oral appliance therapy (OAT) designed and overseen by our talented dentist, Dr. Matthew VanderLaan, you avoid many complaints associated with the CPAP device. While an effective treatment for sleep-disordered breathing, CPAP has a low compliance rate. And what good is a therapy if it does not get used? 

Since CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a large, noisy machine that delivers continuous air pressure to the patient, many users have cited complaints ranging from discomfort and nasal dryness to problems properly cleaning and transporting the machine. You avoid these complaints with easy-to-wear, easy-to-care-for, discreet, and highly portable oral appliances. 

OAT for sleep apnea 

Sleep apnea is characterized by interruptions in breathing when at rest/during sleep. These interruptions are primarily associated with lax tissues. These tissues may relax so much that they block or obstruct the airway. It is essential to seek out effective treatment promptly. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include chronic fatigue, which puts the patient at increased risk of having accidents at the workplace or on the road. Additionally, individuals with sleep apnea often complain of mood changes, irritability, poor memory, impaired concentration, and other problems that affect their quality of life. Partners may also be affected because OSA is associated with loud, habitual snoring. 

Without proper treatment, OSA is a dangerous condition. The oxygen deprivation related to interruptions in breathing during sleep can stress the body’s internal organs and systems. Untreated OSA is a risk factor for everything from diabetes to stroke. We can restore your well-being and quality sleep and prevent potentially deadly complications with customized oral appliances or devices. The device’s design depends on your specific needs; however, the common appliance for OSA is MAD, the mandibular advancement device. Patients slip these devices into their mouths before going to bed. These unobtrusive devices reposition the mandible of the lower jaw, bringing it forward or advancing it. So that way, the lax tissues are also transferred to no longer block or obstruct the airway during sleep. 

You cannot afford to sleep on the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, nor should you hit snooze on finding alternatives to the CPAP machine you barely use and can’t tolerate. For more information, VanderLaan Family Dentistry welcomes your call to (616) 288-2554 today. 

Dr. Matthew VanderLaan

Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012. 

Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.

Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces.  Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety.  He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.

Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man.  He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11).  As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football.  They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.  

Dana VanderLaan

Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012.  She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager.  Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.

Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter.  She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.