A Non-Invasive Treatment to Improve Breathing, Sleep, and Overall Well-Being

Sleep apneais a serious sleep disorder that affects how your body breathes at night—and over time, it can impact your heart, brain activity, energy levels, and overall health. At Just Smile Dental, our Everett, WA, dental officeoffers trigger point therapy for sleep apneaas a natural, noninvasive treatment option for patients seeking relief without surgery or a CPAP machine.

Dr. William Webley provides personalized care in a comfortable environment, helping many patients from Everett, Marysville, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and surrounding Washington communities breathe easier and enjoy more restful sleep.

Schedule an appointment today by calling (425) 341-1111or booking a consultation online with our dentist near youwho understands airway-focused sleep apnea treatment.

woman covering her ears from her bed partner's loud snoring

Sleep Apnea and Its Impact on Your Health

Sleep apneais a common sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway collapses or becomes blocked by relaxed or tight muscles in the throat, jaw, and neck.

Common symptoms of sleep apneainclude:

  • Loud snoring
  • Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
  • Waking up gasping or choking
  • Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • High blood pressure
  • Morning headaches

When left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and reduced oxygen levels, making early diagnosis and effective treatment essential.

What Is Trigger Point Therapy?

Trigger point therapyis a hands-on treatment that focuses on relieving tight areas within muscle tissue—known as trigger points. These points develop from stress, posture issues, clenching, grinding, or repetitive strain and can restrict movement, blood flow, and nerve signaling.

At our Everett dental office, trigger point therapy is used to:

  • Relieve muscle tension
  • Improve soft tissue mobility
  • Support an open airway during sleep
  • Reduce pressure on throat muscles and jaw structures

Although commonly used in pain management, trigger point therapy is increasingly recognized as a supportive sleep apnea treatment, especially for patients with muscle-related airway obstruction or TMJ involvement.

How Trigger Point Therapy Helps Treat Sleep Apnea

In many sleep apnea patients, tight muscles in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and throat contribute to airway collapse during sleep. When these muscles fail to relax properly, breathing becomes restricted, leading to snoring, oxygen drops, and repeated nighttime awakenings.

Trigger point therapy works by:

  • Targeting active trigger points in the jaw, neck, and upper airway
  • Releasing muscle tension that restricts airflow
  • Supporting proper airway positioning during sleep
  • Improving breathing patterns and oxygen levels

For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapyor are looking for additional support alongside oral appliance therapy, trigger point therapy can be an effective solution within a comprehensive treatment plan.

Trigger Point Therapy vs. CPAP Therapy

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)therapy delivers pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open, many patients struggle with discomfort, dry mouth, or poor compliance.

Trigger point therapy offers a non-invasive treatment optionthat:

  • Does not require a CPAP machine
  • Does not use pressurized air
  • Focuses on muscle balance and airway function
  • Can complement oral appliance therapy or other sleep apnea treatments

For the right patient, this approach supports long-term comfort and improved sleep quality.

Your Teeth and Wellness

What to Expect During Trigger Point Therapy at Just Smile Dental

Your care begins with a thorough consultation to determine whether muscle tension is contributing to your sleep apnea symptoms. Dr. Webley will evaluate:

  • Jaw alignment and movement
  • Neck and throat muscle tone
  • Airway function
  • Sleep history and risk factors
  • Previous sleep study results (if available)

During treatment:

  • Targeted pressure is applied to specific trigger points
  • Treatment focuses on the jaw, neck, shoulders, and surrounding soft tissue
  • Sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes
  • Most patients experience relief after a few visits

Each treatment plan is customized to your needs, ensuring effective, personalized care close to home.

Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy for Sleep Apnea Patients

Patients find trigger point therapy beneficial because it addresses both sleep and muscle health. Key benefits include:

  • Improved airway function by releasing tight throat and jaw muscles
  • Reduced snoring and nighttime breathing interruptions
  • Non-invasive and drug-free treatment
  • Pain relief for jaw, neck, and facial muscles
  • Better overall well-being and energy levels

Many patients report sleeping more soundly, waking less frequently, and feeling more refreshed during the day.

Is Trigger Point Therapy Right for You?

You may be a good candidate for trigger point therapy if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea
  • Experience loud snoring or interrupted breathing at night
  • Have chronic jaw, neck, or facial muscle tension
  • Struggle with CPAP therapy
  • Prefer a natural, non-invasive treatment option

During your consultation, our Everett dentist will determine whether trigger point therapy alone or in combination with oral appliance therapyis appropriate for your condition.

Cost of Trigger Point Therapy for Sleep Apnea in Everett, WA

The cost of trigger point therapy varies depending on:

  • The severity of your sleep apnea
  • The number of sessions needed
  • Whether therapy is combined with oral appliance treatment
  • Insurance coverage

At Just Smile Dental, we work hard to make care accessible:

Our team will review your benefits and discuss payment options during your consultation so you can move forward with confidence.

young lady sleeping on her side

Frequently Asked Questions

Is trigger point therapy painful?

Most patients experience pressure rather than pain. Any discomfort is temporary and typically followed by noticeable muscle relief and improved comfort.

Can trigger point therapy cure sleep apnea?

Trigger point therapy is not a cure, but it can significantly reduce symptoms by relieving muscle tension. It is most effective when included in a personalized sleep apnea treatment plan.

Do I still need a sleep study?

A sleep study is often recommended to properly diagnose sleep apnea and assess severity. If you already have one, we can use it to guide treatment decisions.

Can trigger point therapy be combined with oral appliance therapy?

Yes. Many sleep apnea patients benefit from combining trigger point therapy with oral appliances that reposition the jaw forward to keep the airway open.

Is this treatment available near me in Everett?

Yes. Just Smile Dental offers trigger point therapy for sleep apnea right here in Everett, WA, serving nearby communities including Lynnwood, Marysville, Edmonds, and Silver Firs.

Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation Today

If you’re ready to explore a comfortable, effective, non-invasive approach to treating sleep apnea, Just Smile Dental is here for you. Dr. William Webley and our experienced team provide personalized care designed to improve your breathing, sleep quality, and long-term health.

Call our Everett dental practiceat (425) 341-1111 to schedule your consultation online today.We welcome patients from Everett, Marysville, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and all across Washington. Breathe easier. Sleep better. Feel healthier—with skilled care close to home.