3633 Madaca Ln. | Tampa, FL 33618
calls and voicemails: 813.212.7891
text only: 813.240.3301
remove hurdles.
optimize health.
increase neuro-integration.
promote wellness.
create space for healing.
about the founder
Dr. Elizabeth R. Dy struggled to nurse her second-born son in 2019. She looked to her family’s pediatrician with a question about a possible lip tie. The pediatrician looked at her and said, “Yes, he appears to have a lip tie, but he’s a boy. The first time he falls, it will fix itself. I only ever refer out if Mom’s in pain.” Dr. Dy stated that she was in fact in pain and was handed a piece of paper. The pediatrician pointed to some names listed on the referral sheet, “This guy’s an ENT and this guy’s a dentist with a laser.” An experienced laser dentist herself for over 5 years at this point, Dr. Dy thanked the pediatrician for his time, walked across the parking lot to her own general dentistry practice and addressed her son’s lip tie with one of her lasers and the help of her dental assistant.
That conversation would change the way that she practiced dentistry and viewed patients from that point forward.
Months afterwards, her pain returned and her struggles in nursing came back with avengence. Through a group of colleagues online, she realized that her son was also tongue-tied. She recalls walking into her office one morning and stating boldly that she had found her calling- she would learn how to properly diagnose and treat tethered oral tissues so that no moms would feel like their journey had to be cut short because of mis-diagnosis/ “missed diagnosis.” However, the more she learned about tethered oral tissues, craniofacial development, and airway underdevelopment, she realized she couldn’t ignore the adults and children- it is never too late to treat. In fact, a simple frenectomy helped her first-born son with his sleep-disordered breathing and associated night terrors.
Three years later, Dr. Dy established the Sleep and Breathing Wellness Center. Since that fateful visit with the pediatrician, she has taken hundreds of hours in continuing education on craniofacial development, tethered oral tissues, pediatric and adult sleep disordered breathing, functional breathing, temporomandibular joint disorders, airway-centered oral medicine, and more. She has completed a mini-residency with The Breathe Institute to become one of Dr. Soroush Zaghi’s Breathe Affiliates. She has completed both the Adult and Pediatric Dental Sleep Medicine mini-residencies at her alma mater, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. And she has made it her life’s purpose to educate parents and individuals on the dangers of poor oral function, low resting tongue posture, mouth breathing, open mouth resting posture, and breathing disordered sleep such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Dy is working hard to build a community in Tampa Bay, FL of collaborative providers to help patients of all ages live healthier lives through deeper sleep and optimal oral function. She challenges providers to lead patients to those who are better studied in oral dysfunction to answer questions about the possibility of tethered oral tissues.
Since opening SBWC in Carrollwood, Dr. Dy and her husband have welcomed their third son. When she is not seeing patients, she enjoys seeking out further continuing education opportunities, teaching other professionals, being a “boy mom,” and cheering on her husband in his triathlon competitions.
The origin of
The Sleep and Breathing Wellness Center (SBWC)
Dr. Elizabeth R. Dy is an airway-centric dentist trained to address tethered oral tissues that may affect the sleep, eating, speech and breathing of patients of ALL ages.
The Sleep and Breathing Wellness Center started as a tongue-tie center within her general dentistry practice, Sweet Tooth Dentistry. After a period of growth, it became apparent that the community needs were greater than she could serve within a traditional dental office.
At that point, she was offered space within a large orthodontic office, and The Sleep and Breathing Wellness Center officially broke away from Sweet Tooth Dentistry.
After a year of subleasing space and splitting her time between general dentistry and oral ties, she sold her general dentistry practice and retired from restorative dentistry to better focus on her goals in the airway-directed wellness space. By doing so, she has been able to focus her efforts on creating a collaborative workspace in a new space of her own. We are proud to have created a space of our own in Carrollwood to promote healing and wellness for the greater Tampa Bay community and beyond. We understand that the journey of every individual is different. Thus, we offer a variety of non-CPAP options for the treatment of breathing disordered sleep. Most of the time, the recommended treatment will include addressing tethered/restrictive oral tissues; however, we are respectful of each individual's choice and provide a variety of options for that very reason.
Relevant
Experience
the breathe institute, affiliate
A TBI Affiliate is an individual who has gone on from becoming an ambassador to apply for and complete The Breathe Institute's Surgical Proctoring Mini-Residency Program. As a TBI affiliate, Dr. Dy has spent multiple hours of 1:1 time with Dr. Soroush Zaghi and has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to patient care by continuing to seek out the latest research and protocols related to tongue-ties, sleep, breathing, and overall wellness.
2022
tongue-tied academy, graduate
A graduate of Dr. Richard Baxter's Tongue-Tied Academy has completed his well-rounded coursework provided online. The coursework includes didactic work, reviews of research, virtual shadowing, and learning evaluations.
2020
the breathe institute-
ambassador & breathe baby ambassador
A member of the TBI Ambassador community is a forward-thinking, airway-focused healthcare professional who has demonstrated passion for ongoing learning through completion of one or more courses through The Breathe Institute.
vivos therapeutics, integrated provider
Completion of hundreds of hours of coursework breaking down the origins of underdeveloped mouthes and jaws and how resulting nasal and dental abnormalities are often the cause of or major contributing factors to sleep and breathing disorders. Dr. Dy is prepared to lead a collaborative team dedicated to addressing such issues to lead the patient on a path toward wellness.
chrysalis orofacial, tots provider
Completion of Tethered Oral Tissues Specialty Training which includes background information on how tethered oral tissues affect oral function for all ages.
pediatric lip and tongue-ties
Completion of multi-disciplinary coursework led by Dr. Marty Kaplan at the University of Texas.
2023
Adult dental sleep medicine mini-residency
Program directors:
Leopoldo P. Correa, BDS, MS- Associate Professor and Director of Division of Craniofacial Pain at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
Noshir R. Mehta, BDS, DMD, MDS, MS- faculty at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. In 1976, he co-founded the first school based TMD center in the country which grew into the current Craniofacial pain center at Tufts.
Jonathan Parker, DDS- Adjunct Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He is one of the country’s leading experts and teachers in the field.
pediatric dental sleep medicine mini-residency
Program directors:
Audrey Yoon, DDS, MS- dual trained orthodontist and pediatric dentist. She is also a diplomate of American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics. She is an adjunct assistant professor at Stanford University Sleep Medicine Center, an adjunct assistant professor in Orthodontics at University of Pacific and also a co-director of Pediatric Dental Sleep Mini-residency program at Tufts University.
Leopoldo P. Correa, BDS, MS- Associate Professor and Director of Division of Craniofacial Pain at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
Umakanth Katwa, MD- Attending Physician; Co-Director of Sleep Center, Co-Director of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. He is board certified in pediatric pulmonary and sleep medicine.
Stanley Yung-Chuan Liu, MD, DDS, FACS- Associate Professor of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery and by Courtesy, of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is Director of the Sleep Surgery Fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Relevant
Professional Memberships
the breathe institute, affiliate
A TBI Affiliate is an individual who has gone on from becoming an ambassador to apply for and complete The Breathe Institute's Surgical Proctoring Mini-Residency Program. As a TBI affiliate, Dr. Dy has spent multiple hours of 1:1 time with Dr. Soroush Zaghi and has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to patient care by continuing to seek out the latest research and protocols related to tongue-ties, sleep, breathing, and overall wellness.
The AMerican Academy of physiologic medicine and dentistry
The American Academy of Physiological Medicine & Dentistry is the leader in interdisciplinary collaboration and education for optimal airway growth and function.
The AMerican Academy of oral and systemic health
Founded in 2010, The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of healthcare leaders and health professionals dedicated to expanding awareness of the relationship between oral health and whole body health. AAOSH membership includes and is open to health professionals from many allied health disciplines, corporate supporters and sponsors, health educators, and healthcare leaders.
The AMerican Academy of dental sleep medicine
Dental sleep medicine is an area of dental practice that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The international consortium of ankylofrenula professionals
ICAP is an international organization of tongue-tie professionals. Our vision is to promote best practices for the assessment, diagnosis and integrative treatment of restricted oral tissues.
The american laser study club
A study club aimed at professionals dedicated to excelling at efficient and safe application of laser energy in everyday practice.
The synergy academy
The Synergy Academy is an organization with the goal of providing quality educational opportunities that are on the leading edge of available technologies, innovative concepts and the implementation of clinical techniques that optimize patient care with a focus on the craniofacial region of the body.
The aLF Approach mentorship program
Led by Dr. Tasha Turzo, DO. The ALF AMP is a potent interdisciplinary, collaborative and integrative online educational platform. The Mentorship Program uses patient cases as the core curriculum to teach how to diagnose and treat complex craniofacial dysfunctions.
Dr. Dy has helped my son Khaled with loving and kind care. He is now 8 months and he needed his tongue tie re corrected at 5 months. Dr. Dy’s special training has given her the tools to do a functional release. This was a very different experience than with my daughters release 8 years ago. Rather than just doing a quick laser procedure, Dr. Dy took her time making sure his tongue was where it was supposed to be to allow for proper function while breastfeeding. She is definitely a gem in the Tampa area. Would recommend to my family and friends !
Thank you Dr. Dy and to all the office staff for making me feel like family.
Khadeejah Husnein
So thankful for Dr. Dy and her amazing staff. I knew my newborn had both a lip and tongue tie, which was making it a struggle for her to breastfeed. When I went for the consult at 7 weeks old, Dr. Dy took a look at her mouth and explained everything thoroughly, in a very calming and comforting room. As a mother, it’s an emotional place to be, because you want to spare putting your baby through any procedures, but you also want to make the best decisions for their health. After discussing the current and long term effects that tongue ties can cause, I knew it had to be done. Dr. Dy was very in tune with how this felt as a mother, which also helped ease the stress. They took the baby to another room and came back minutes later- done! She provided a nursing pillow and encouraged me to nurse right away.. I could immediately feel a difference in the baby’s latch. Dr. went over post op stretches which were easy to do, and referred us to a craniosacral therapist to help relieve the tension in baby’s upper body, as well as a lactation specialist to ensure baby was able to learn how to latch properly. Our breastfeeding journey is now going amazing, which is such a relief, ESPECIALLY in these times where there are formula shortages! The tongue tie release will also help avoid speech and breathing issues in the future, so I’m happy we had this done when we did. I wish I knew all of this with my first born, because looking back, he needed it as well. Im so thankful for this team (they are all SO sweet!) and how such a simple procedure has changed our lives!
Jessica Pereira
Emily- Mom of Bowen, 2 mo. old at time of release
DR. Christina Makram Travagliato
board-certified pediatric dentist
ambassador, the breathe institute
If she could catch these issues early on and prevent her patients from suffering through the symptoms she has had for decades, it would be so fulfilling to see her patients to their maximum potential!
grow and thrive
Dr. Christina Makram Travagliato is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist who loves to show her patients that seeing the dentist can be a gentle, educational, and safe experience. She graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2014 and completed an additional two years of training to earn a Specialty Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in Long Island, NY. Since graduating, she has been in traditional private pediatric practice treating children of all ages. Over the last decade, Dr. Christina has embraced that children need time and patience in the medical setting, and she utilizes techniques to help desensitize her patients and make their visits as positive and comfortable as possible.
It is her passion to focus on prevention and address all aspects of both oral health and overall body health from a root-cause approach. She knows first hand that chronic mouth breathing, allergies, difficulty in nasal breathing, tongue function, poor sleep, and postural issues can contribute to not just your oral health but your quality of life. In searching for a root-cause for her own issues, Dr. Christina has undergone orthodontic treatment twice, ENT surgery, and immunotherapy allergy treatment. Despite these efforts, she still could not get to the bottom of her mouth-breathing and issues with the quality of her sleep.
After educating herself in the pursuit of answers, the universe helped to introduce her to Jen Lind and Dr. Dy at the Sleep and Breathing Wellness Center. Intrigued, she immediately hopped on a plane to attend The Breathe Course with Dr. Soroush Zaghi, MD at The Breathe Institute. She was completely fascinated to learn about the remaining puzzle pieces of sleep disordered breathing and airway concerns and couldn’t wait to come back home to Tampa and focus her career around a functional airway approach. If she could catch these issues early on and prevent her patients from suffering through the symptoms she has had for decades, it would be so fulfilling to see her patients grow and thrive to their maximum potential! Dr. Dy has shown Dr. Christina that it is never too late to be treated, so she has undergone Myofunctional Therapy with “MyoMarie” Joles, the in-house therapist at SBWC. Dr. Christina is working toward her own functional frenuloplasty on her airway journey!
In collaboration with Dr. Dy and the team, Dr. Christina addresses children of all ages with:
- Tethered oral tissue (TOTs) releases
- Functional frenuloplasties
- Gentle, therapeutic laser treatments such as OraLase and BabyLase
- Craniofacial growth
- Development of the dentition
- Building positive habits
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Cavity risk counseling
- Nutrition counseling
Dr. Christina is especially passionate about the oral and gut microbiomes, and how we can naturally advocate for our own health with lifestyle and nutrition.
Her goal is to help empower and educate her families, providing her patients with tools and guidance to help create a balanced solid foundation in which to grow upon. Through optimizing their craniofacial growth, she strives to help encourage functional breathing and a healthy oral environment. She wants all of her patients to flourish in all aspects of their well-being by setting them up to be their own health advocates into their adulthood.
In-house Team of therapists at sbwc
click their photo for their respective pages
Katherine mckimmy,
Mot, OTR/L
Auxiliary team members
Lauryn- assistant
taylor- front office
kim- assistant
daniela- assistant
spanish-speaking
featured collaborative partners
click their photo for their respective pages
while we recognize there are many great providers in the tampa bay area, some of which we also refer to, those highlighted on this page have proven a true collaborative spirit in coordinating care for mutual patients with our office.
Functional Frenuloplasty
The success of our releases is thanks to the Functional Frenuloplasty protocol created by Dr. Soroush Zaghi of The Breathe Institute. This protocol allows for a complete and effective release of tethered oral tissues via the incorporation of a multidisciplinary approach. As a result, we integrate myofunctional therapy (as well as other types of therapy and bodywork when necessary) before, during, and after surgery. We work with myofunctional therapists in our practice, all over Tampa Bay, and all across the nation to accomplish this.
Our tongue-tie release procedure is based on precision: releasing the appropriate extent of tissues for maximal relief; not too much, and not too little. As an Affiliate of The Breathe Institute, Dr. Elizabeth R. Dy was personally trained by Dr. Soroush Zaghi.
The tongue is one of the most critical organs in our bodies as it has the ability to regulate and shape orofacial structure and musculature. The un-tethered mobility of the tongue is required for optimal speech, chewing, swallowing, oral hygiene, and breathing functions, as well as for development of the skeletal structures of the jaw and the airway. Because the tongue plays such an important role in so many functions, restricted mobility of the tongue may lead to compensatory behaviors that may negatively affect nasal breathing and cause snoring due to low tongue posture, or contribute to chronic stress on the other muscles of the head and neck. The tongue also has connections to the whole body through a system of connective tissue known as fascia, and a restrictive tongue may place tension on the fascia networks causing neck tension, pain, and postural dysfunction. The Breathe Institute's functional frenulopasty approach honors the changes that occur during a tongue-tie release and prepares the body for acceptance and optimal healing post-treatment.
Functional Frenuloplasty
Pre-op Questions
Your active participation is important to the post-operative success of your treatment. The following FAQ's will help you know what to expect in the days following surgery and will help to optimize a successful surgical outcome. Please remember that we are aiming to increase the range of motion of your tongue and will need to allow for connective tissue remodeling while simultaneously altering function. Dedication to changing your everyday habits and posture is so important for activating change. Lean on all members of your wellness team. Do not, however, hesitate to call or text us if you have any questions or concerns.
Q: CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE TREATMENT FOR A PATIENT THAT IS TONGUE-TIED? DOES IT HURT?
A: A frenuloplasty is a straightforward outpatient procedure that can be completed in office without the need for general anesthesia. If a release is recommended, the treatment takes less than an hour. Dr. Dy will apply an effective topical anesthetic gel on the frenular tissue underneath the tongue prior to treatment, followed by an injection of lidocaine, allowing for zero-to-minimal discomfort during the procedure. The anesthetic wears off approximately 30-45 minutes after the procedure is completed. For the first several days (occasionally up to 5 days) following surgery, mild-to-moderate discomfort and swelling is to be expected. This can usually be controlled with over-the-counter medication such as Ibuprofen or Advil Dual Action with Acetaminophen. During this time, we recommend keeping talking to a minimum and consuming foods that are soft and cold.
Q: ARE THERE ANY PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS?
A: We encourage you to eat a full meal prior to your procedure. We also encourage getting a good night's sleep the night before. Please refrain from consuming caffeine prior to the procedure. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing.
Pre-operative bodywork is extremely powerful and highly recommended.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
A: It is normal to experience some swelling and inflammation in the first 3-5 days after surgery. We recommend using Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Advil Dual Action with Acetaminophen, and/or arnica as needed for the management of discomfort and swelling. However, we have found the greatest amount of patient satisfaction and increased post-op wound care compliance with utilization of the StellaLife Oral Recovery Kit.
Placing an ice cube underneath your tongue and allowing it to melt while you place your tongue in the roof of your mouth and focus on your breath work can also be beneficial. During the first few days, you may find it helpful to have soft, cool foods. You may find it challenging to consume hot or spicy foods, or foods that require a lot of chewing. Please review out detailed post-operative instructions as well in advance of your procedure.
Q: ARE ANTIBIOTICS ADMINISTERED?
A: No, antibiotics are not administered. We recommend rinsing with salt water and/or alcohol-free mouthwash several times a day to keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection. It is also extremely important to wash hands thoroughly prior to wound care/ stretches.
Q: WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS?
A: Complications of surgery are rare, but may include numbness, bleeding, pain, failure of procedure, infection, injury to adjacent structures, and scarring. It is crucial to follow the post-operative instructions to prevent scarring or re-attachment of the frenum. Pre- and post-operative myofunctional therapy is essential for optimal recovery after frenuloplasty.
Q: WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO ACTIVELY MANAGE THE WOUND POST-PROCEDURE? WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO SEE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
A: We use absorbable sutures that will usually fall off or dissolve on their own within 3-5 days and sometimes anywhere from 1-10 days after surgery. As the sutures fall out, a white diamond-shaped area may appear where the frenum was. This is normal and not an infection, rather, it is granulation healing tissue that will heal and disappear in approximately two weeks.
Functional Frenuloplasty
Post-op instructions
After the surgery, patients can expect some mild swelling, pain, and/or discomfort as a normal process of wound healing. Generally, this is fairly mild and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. Possible (but very rare) complications of frenuloplasty may include anesthesia complications, bleeding, pain, numbness/ tingling, failure of procedure, voice and swallowing changes, infection, injury to adjacent structures, and scarring.
Immediately after surgery:
- Wound Care and Bleeding: To alleviate discomfort, you can apply a small amount of topical anesthesia to a piece of gauze, place on the surgical site, and replace as needed every 1-2 hours, maximum of 4 times daily. It is normal to experience some bloody oozing during the first 1-2 days. If steady bleeding occurs, place gauze under the tongue to hold pressure and call Dr. Dy. If heavy bleeding persists, please go to your local emergency department.
- Swelling and Inflammation: It is normal to experience some swelling and inflammation in the first 3-5 days after surgery. Your tongue may feel larger than usual and more painful to move. The majority of patients will find relief using Tylenol and Ibuprofen as needed for pain. We also recommend holistic options such as arnica, turmeric, and ginger or the complete StellaLife Oral Recovery Kit. If you are already taking chronic pain medications, we would recommend discussing alternatives with your pain doctor.
- Food/Drink: During the first few days, you may find it helpful to have soft, cool foods. you may find it challenging to consume hot or spicy foods or those that are more textured and thus require more chewing.
- Sutures: We use resorbable sutures that will fall off or dissolve on their own within a week after surgery. After the sutures come out, granulation tissue that is whitish in appearance will fill the open wound(s). This is normal and expected. Only if the granulation tissue overgrows the wound should the excess tissue be cleansed gently with a soft brush to remove oral debris. It is not necessary to completely remove the granulation tissue.
- Oral hygiene: We recommend rinsing with salt water and/or alcohol-free mouthwash several times a day to keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection. Colloidal silver spray is an excellent antimicrobial option.
- Surgical Glue: PeriAcryl surgical glue may be applied to the wound site in addition to sutures. Over time, the glue can have a hard and rough texture. It is important to refrain from touching or picking at it. If the glue stays on past 1 week, we encourage gentle massage with Vitamin E oil, coconut oil, or mineral oil to dissolve and remove the material.
- Myofunctional Therapy Exercises: We recommend gentle tongue movements only for the first 3 days after your procedure and to focus on minimizing the pain. This may include light movements with your tongue by lifting it up to the front teeth with your mouth wide open, moving side-to-side inside the cheeks, tracing the tongue back-and-forth along the palate, and elevating the tongue in suction-hold. Avoid sticking your tongue out during the first few days to prevent tearing the sutures. Would contraction may occur by around day 5-7. It is extremely important to perform the stretches and exercises as prescribed by your therapist to obtain the most optimal results.
- Lip and Buccal Ties: We recommend that you take it easy for the first few days. Afterwards, run your tongue around the oral vestibule several times a day. We also recommend air puffs. After one week, you can stretch the lip outwards and perform manual intraoral massage.
- Bodywork: Many patients benefit from co-therapy with myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and/or other forms of bodywork both pre- and post-operatively, depending on clinical circumstance. If you are in need of a collaborative therapist, please feel free to ask for a recommendation or view the list.
- Text the team at 813.240.3301 if you experience any of the following: severe pain that does not improve with medication, brisk bleeding, severe swelling at the site of surgery, difficulty breathing, fever higher than 102°.
- For emergencies, such as excessive swelling that is closing the airway, please call 911 or proceed to your local urgent care facility.
TMD/ Orofacial Pain Therapy: MyoAligner
(besides myofunctional therapy and functional frenuloplasty release)
As a MyoAligner (R) Provider, Dr. Dy is able to balance one’s bite during function (chewing) (and not just through splint therapy) thereby allowing for muscular adaptation and joint remodeling.
non-CPAP Sleep Therapy: NightLase C3
(besides myofunctional therapy and functional frenuloplasty release)
Dr. Dy is trained in the latest Nightlase C3 (TM) Protocol which addresses multiple sites of airway collapse for the treatment of primary snoring. Following the protocol is also attributed with lessening the severity of obrstructive sleep apnea. Treatment usually involves at least 4 sessions with each session ideally spaced 21 days apart. As such, proper planning is required for best results.
Because breathing disturbed sleep is multi-factorial, the results of Nightlase C3 are often enhanced through myofunctional therapy and/or use of the REMplenish nozzle.
non-CPAP Sleep Therapy:
REMplenish Nozzle
(besides myofunctional therapy and functional frenuloplasty release)
Dr. Dy is proud to be a Key Opinion Leader on the usage of the REMplenish nozzle to support orofacial muscle toning.
Keeping the lips inactive around the nozzle, use the body of your tongue to push the nozzle against the roof of your mouth to extract the water. Take care not to thrust the tip of your tongue against your front teeth. You want the tip of your tongue to press the nozzle against “the spot,” which is located on the soft tissue just behind your front teeth as indicated by the star.
Dr. Dy’s tip: Don’t reach for your nozzle when you’re super thirsty! It’s a workout and we don’t want you to form a negative association with the tool. Use it to stay hydrated throughout the day.
non-CPAP Sleep Therapy:
Mandibular Advancement Splint Therapy
(besides myofunctional therapy and functional frenuloplasty release)
Dr. Dy is proud to be a Certified Provider of The Gelb Institute's airVata combination day and night appliance to improve sleep, restore alertness, and revitalize your health.
Dr. Gelb explained that utilizing both daytime and nighttime appliance therapy, helped treat both TMJ problems, as well as address Obstructive Sleep Problems. Utilizing both a daytime and nighttime appliance decompresses the TM Joint, allows healing to occur, increases Joint space, increases the length of the masseter and temporalis muscles. Utilizing daytime (NG) and Nighttime (NG) appliances together, we have created the NG 2 , which is a combination Dayappliance and Nighttime appliance used to treat Jaw Clicking, Jaw locking, Jaw Pain, Muscle Pain, Fatigue, Fragmented Sleep and Obstructive Airway Disorders, including Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The NG 2 , combines an Anterior Repositioning Appliance, to be worn during the day, with a Maxillary retainer, with buttons to be worn in conjunction with the lower appliance.
Both the upper and lower appliances, have buttons, that Power chains are attached to. The Maxillary Retainer, and Maxilla, acts as anchorage for the lower jaw (mandible) to stay forward at nighttime. The NG 2 prevents the lower jaw from falling back, which is the premise of every Oral appliance, or Mandibular Advancement Device on the market today.
https://www.gelbinstitute.com/airvata
Educational Links
- Long-term Implications of the Untreated Tongue-Tie- Educational video by Dr. Soroush Zaghi of The Breathe Institute
- 5 Dimensions of Tongue-Tie Assessment- Educational video by Dr. Soroush Zaghi of The Breathe Institute
- Sleep Home Learning Rx’d by Dr. Dy- Dr. Matthew Walker: The Science & Practice of Perfecting Your Sleep | Huberman Lab Podcast #31
During my consultation, Dr. Dy brought up ____, and I’d like more information.
- Oralase- Dr. Dy was trained personally by the developer of this protocol, Dr. Darick Nordstrom
- Babylase- Dr. Dy was trained personally by the originator of this protocol, Dr. Darick Nordstrom
- Nightlase (TM)- Dr. Dy was trained personally by Dr. Harvey Shiffman who has updated the protocol since the release of this video. The new protocol, Nightlife C3, involves treatment of multiple sites of airway collapse. Dr. Dy completed in-person, updated training with Dr. Shiffman in October 2023.
- Tonsilase (SM)- Toward the end of the article, Dr. Shiffman briefly discusses the development of Tonsilase (SM).
- Naselase (SM)- Though not mentioned by name in this article, Naselase (SM) was used to achieve the results shown in the treatment of external valve collapse. Naselase (SM) can be an adjunctive treatment to Performlase (SM) or Nightlase C3 (TM).
- airVata Mandibular Advancement Splint- Dr. Dy is a Certified airVata provider, personally trained by Dr. Layne Martin, the co-developer.
- ALF Appliances- Dr. Dy was personally trained by Dr. Darick Nordstrom, the developer of ALF Therapy, in an invitation-only introductory class hosted by The Breathe Institute in January 2023. Dr. Dy continues to be mentored by Dr. Darick Nordstrom as well Dr. Tasha Turbo, DO.
- Pattern Altering Dental Appliance (PADA)- stay tuned for more information on this appliance from the Applied Integration Academy.
- MyoAligner Appliances- Currently, this is a link to their Instagram as it appears they are in the process of updating their website.
- Lower Gelb Appliance
- Early Childhood Expansion for the development of the airway- Share this article as needed for those who question newer recommendations to expand before the age of 7
- Supermouth- follow this link to purchase oral care products from SBWC’s Supermouth store.
Unboxing and Introducing Kimberly Wand to SuperMouth
Introducing more SLPs (Marissa Douglas and Lauren Farr) to SuperMouth
Elizabeth R. Dy, DMD
General Dentist
Founder, CEO, Airway Wellness Director- SBWC
Connect with us!
info@sleepandbreathingtampa.com
813.212.7891 (calls and voicemails)
813.240.3301 (text only)
www.sleepandbreathingtampa.com
Christina Makram Travagliato, DDS
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Expected Availability
Current as of June 17, 2024.
We get it. It can be a lot to coordinate. Here are a couple cheat sheets!
Dr. Dy
Dr. Christina
MyoMarie
Ms. Jill
Katherine
Megan
By Appt Only
Wednesday
Thursday
Monday
Tuesday
Expected Availability
Current as of June 17, 2024.
We get it. It can be a lot to coordinate. Here are a couple cheat sheets!
ALF adjustments
Splint adjustments
Adult releases
Marie + Megan
Pediatric Wellness
Dr. Dy + Amy R.
By Appt Only
Wednesday
Thursday
Monday
Tuesday
do you accept insurance?
We are not contracted with any dental or medical insurance plans and do not bill directly. If you have an HSA card, that can be used to pay for your visit and we are happy to provide any necessary itemized receipts to accompany your transaction.
At your request, we can create a superbill for you to submit to your medical insurance company. Some plans may reimburse you toward your annual deductible, but they will always consider Dr. Dy an out-of-network provider.
If you attempt to submit your superbill to your dental insurance company, please note that they will likely downgrade any procedure codes to fit their own definitions. It is not common to expect 100% reimbursement.
Please note that requests for these such documents need to be processed when we are not seeing patients. As a small healthcare startup, we appreciate your patience as we are very dedicated to providing excellent care to each and every patient.