At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry in Kirkland, WA, Dr. Susan Kim provides a gentle, dental-based solution for pediatric sleep apnea that does not involve CPAP. As a pediatric dentist, she focuses on treating sleep-disordered breathing through oral appliance therapy, including the Vivos system—a non-invasive alternative to pressurized machines. While CPAP is widely used in traditional medical settings, our approach uses growth-guided dental appliances to open the airway naturally and comfortably, especially for young patients.
These oral appliances support airway development by addressing the root causes of sleep-disordered breathing, such as narrow jaws, poor tongue posture, or underdeveloped arches. Unlike CPAP machines, which are external devices that deliver air pressure, Vivos and similar appliances work from within to promote healthy growth and breathing patterns over time.
Dr. Susan’s approach empowers families seeking a drug-free, surgery-free, and machine-free alternative to conventional sleep apnea treatment—designed specifically for kids, by a provider who understands their developmental needs.
Clarifying Misconceptions Around CPAP and Pediatric Sleep Treatment
Many parents are told CPAP is the only option for their child’s sleep apnea. At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry, we believe it’s important to offer education and clarity. Dr. Susan Kim does not provide CPAP therapy. Instead, she treats sleep-disordered breathing using oral appliances that gently expand and support proper airway development. This approach is more suitable for young children and eliminates the challenges of masks, noise, and machinery.
Our goal is to help families understand there are alternatives to CPAP—and that oral appliance therapy can be just as effective, especially for mild to moderate cases in growing kids.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy Without CPAP
Parents who choose oral appliance therapy over CPAP often find the process more manageable, especially for children. Dr. Susan Kim designs each device for your child’s unique anatomy, focusing on comfort and long-term effectiveness.
Here are the key advantages of our appliance-based approach:
- No mask, tubing, or air pressure: Vivos devices work naturally inside the mouth during sleep
- Supports growth: Promotes proper jaw and airway development in growing children
- Quiet and comfortable: No machine noise, no straps, no disruptions
- High compliance rates: Kids adapt more easily to appliances than CPAP equipment
This treatment is ideal for families looking for an early, non-invasive solution to pediatric sleep challenges—without the burden of traditional equipment.
Personalized Treatment Built Around Your Child
Dr. Susan Kim begins each case with a thorough airway assessment, including imaging, health history, and sleep behavior review. She works closely with families to customize an oral appliance that fits your child’s stage of growth and addresses the root causes of sleep-disordered breathing.
We use advanced technology like 3D scans to ensure precise fit and optimal results. Follow-up visits are part of the plan to adjust as your child grows and ensure ongoing comfort and improvement. Every treatment is collaborative, gentle, and designed with long-term wellness in mind.
Supporting Your Family Through the Journey
Dr. Susan and her team know that starting treatment for pediatric sleep apnea can feel overwhelming. That’s why we provide hands-on guidance, education, and support to make every step easier—from fitting the appliance to establishing bedtime routines.
Here’s how we help families succeed:
- Ongoing coaching: We help you and your child adjust to nightly use at your own pace
- Parental education: You’ll know exactly how and why the appliance works
- Comfort check-ins: We monitor for fit and progress as your child grows
- Clear financial guidance: We assist with understanding insurance and costs
Our mission is to replace confusion with clarity—and stress with confidence.
Start with a CPAP-Free Consultation for Better Pediatric Sleep
If you’ve been told your child needs CPAP for sleep apnea, know that there’s another option. At Evergreen Pediatric & Airway Dentistry in Kirkland, WA, Dr. Susan Kim offers CPAP-free oral appliance therapy tailored to your child’s needs and growth.
Schedule a consultation today to explore how Vivos or other dental-based solutions can restore healthy sleep and support your child’s long-term development—without the complications of machines or masks.
Evergreen Pediatric Dentistry
12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE #103
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 814-3196
Google Maps Link
evergreenkidsdentist.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Susan Kim treat sleep apnea with CPAP?
No. Dr. Susan Kim is a pediatric dentist and does not provide CPAP therapy. Instead, she treats pediatric sleep-disordered breathing using custom oral appliances like the Vivos system.
Is oral appliance therapy effective for kids?
Yes, oral appliances are a safe, non-invasive, and effective option for many children with mild to moderate sleep apnea. They support natural growth and airway expansion without the need for pressurized air.
Can oral appliance therapy replace CPAP?
For many children, especially those who are CPAP-intolerant or have developing jaws, oral appliance therapy provides a gentler and more sustainable alternative to CPAP.
