Do you snore, gasp for air during sleep, or wake up feeling tired—even after what should have been a full night’s rest? You’re not alone. Millions of people live with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without even knowing it. And for many, the effects reach far beyond fatigue—impacting memory, mood, heart health, and even relationships.
At My Smile Health Centre (MSHC) in Burnaby, Dr. Ivy Yu and her team take a different approach. Rather than masking the symptoms, they focus on the root cause of sleep-disordered breathing: the structure and function of the airway. It’s called Airway Dentistry, and it’s helping people sleep better, breathe easier, and reclaim their health—naturally.
What Is Airway Dentistry?
Airway dentistry is an approach that looks at how the shape of your mouth, jaw, and tongue affect the way you breathe—especially during sleep. For many patients with sleep apnea or chronic snoring, the problem isn’t just about soft tissues collapsing—it’s about underdeveloped jaws, restricted airways, and dysfunctional breathing patterns.
Traditional treatments like CPAP machines can be helpful, but they don’t always work for everyone—and they don’t address the core issue.
That’s where airway dentistry comes in.
Dr. Ivy Yu and the MSHC team are specially trained to recognize structural issues contributing to sleep apnea and to offer non-invasive, holistic solutions that improve airflow and long-term health.
How MSHC Helps: The Vivos® Therapeutics System
At MSHC, we are proud to offer the Vivos® Therapeutics System, an advanced, non-surgical treatment that focuses on expanding the airway by gently guiding the development and positioning of the upper and lower jaws.
The system uses a custom-designed oral appliance worn at night and a few hours during the day. Unlike traditional sleep apnea devices that simply push air through a narrowed airway or repositions the lower jaw , Vivos appliances encourage natural bone remodeling over time—resulting in a wider airway and better breathing.
The benefits?
- Reduced or eliminated snoring
- Better quality sleep
- Less reliance on CPAP
- Improved mood, energy, and focus
- Long-term airway health and overall health
Many adult patients are surprised by how simple and comfortable the Vivos appliance therapy is—and how dramatically their sleep improves.
Myofunctional Therapy: Training the Muscles that Matter
The shape of your airway is one part of the equation—but how you use it matters, too.
Myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy for the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth. Improper tongue posture, mouth breathing, and weak facial muscles can all contribute to poor airway function.
At MSHC, we provide guidance in Myofunctional Therapy to support patients as they build healthy habits—like proper tongue placement, nasal breathing, and swallowing patterns. These exercises not only help with sleep apnea, but also improve posture, speech, and overall oral function.
This therapy is particularly helpful for patients of all ages and works well alongside other treatments like Vivos® or custom oral appliances.
Sleep Appliances: Customized Comfort for Restful Nights
For some patients, particularly those with mild to moderate sleep apnea or who cannot tolerate CPAP, custom oral sleep appliances can be a game-changer.
These small, discreet devices are worn in the mouth during sleep to reposition the jaw and tongue, keeping the airway open. Unlike store-bought solutions or one-size-fits-all snore guards, our appliances are custom-fitted based on detailed scans and diagnostics. That means better comfort, better results, and better sleep.
Dr. Ivy Yu works closely with patients to find the right solution for their unique anatomy, lifestyle, and health needs.
A Holistic Approach Rooted in Compassion
At My Smile Health Centre, we believe that your smile and your airway are deeply connected—and both deserve thoughtful, personalized care. That’s why we take time to listen, understand your full health picture, and guide you through solutions that work not just for your sleep, but for your life.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, suspect you have it, or just want to stop snoring and start waking up refreshed, the MSHC team is here to help.
We don’t believe in quick fixes or temporary patches. We believe in long-term health, whole-person care, and supporting you at every step with clarity, warmth, and expertise.
Ready to Breathe Easier?
If you’ve been living with sleep apnea, snoring, or fatigue, don’t wait for things to get worse. There’s a better way—and it starts by looking at your airway.
Book a consultation with Dr. Ivy Yu and the MSHC team to explore how airway dentistry can help you finally get the sleep you’ve been missing. Together, we’ll find a solution that fits your needs, honors your health, and helps you feel like yourself again.
Better sleep starts with a better airway—and we’re here to help you every breath of the way.
