FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A local dentist is helping patients get a better night’s sleep. Dr. Jonathan Hale, owner of Hale Family Dentistry, will celebrate the grand opening of Fort Wayne Sleep Solutions at 4116 E. State Blvd. The festivities begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.
Fort Wayne Sleep Solutions specializes in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring, particularly in patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or incompatible with their needs. Instead of a mask and machine, Fort Wayne Sleep Solutions offers oral-appliance therapy, an FDA-approved alternative. Oral devices are worn inside the mouth during sleep, helping to improve patients’ airflow and oxygen intake.
“CPAP has maximum benefit for patients only when they are willing and able to use it continuously. Unfortunately, some residents are unable to do so,” Hale said. “Oral appliance therapy can be a very effective alternative.”
Hale works closely with local sleep labs, sleep specialists, and patients’ physicians to diagnose issues and offer individualized treatment plans. Unlike most dental offices, Fort Wayne Sleep Solutions can bill medical insurance and provide cost estimates prior to treatment, and is credentialed to accept traditional Medicare plans.
“It’s not a common practice for dentists and medical practitioners to work closely on dental procedures, let alone be able to treat medical disorders,” Hale said. “It’s a team effort in treating our patients, and the patient is at the center of that.”
The new practice was inspired by real-world needs: a patient came to Hale’s dental practice feeling helpless, looking for alternatives after being unable to tolerate a CPAP machine. Hale connected with several local physicians, including a friend who was in a fellowship focusing on pulmonology, and learned that there is a high rate of CPAP intolerance. Hale took academic courses and attended conventions to learn about oral-appliance therapy and its effectiveness in treating OSA. He is now a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
“Snoring can be a sign of a much more serious problem that can be a detriment to health and wellness. If we can create awareness and treat patients early, we can save them from years of tiredness, struggles with body weight, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s,” Hale said. “We would like to lead the charge to help patients before they have to suffer the consequences of a poor night’s sleep.”
The grand-opening celebration is open to members of the media and invited guests.
About Fort Wayne Sleep Solutions
Led by Fort Wayne dentist Dr. Jonathan Hale, Fort Wayne Sleep Solutions treats patients suffering from snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders via an FDA-approved alternative to CPAP machines. Learn more at fwsleep.com.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs, and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention, and community engagement.
