Today we’d like to introduce you to Karel Vandervelden.
Hi Karel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Like many newly married couples, my wife struggled to sleep next to me due to my loud (according to her) snoring. My wife is a nurse practitioner and told me that I probably have sleep apnea and need a CPAP. It came as no surprise to me (wives are usually right!) that sleep testing showed I had sleep apnea, and I was put on a CPAP. I hated my CPAP, but I knew I needed it. I also have to admit that my sleep and energy levels improved when treating my sleep apnea, so I needed an alternative that worked. I looked into surgery, but that freaked me out, so I tried a custom oral appliance (mandibular advancement device). I was skeptical of these appliances, but I tried them and, to my surprise, they worked great. This was life-changing and career-changing for me. I got so excited that I spent the next 3 years pursuing the highest level of training in this niche field of sleep medicine and became a Diplomate Sleep Dentist (an “expert”). I spent the next 4 years splitting my time between performing general dentistry services and sleep services. In 2024, I sold my general dentistry practice to focus full-time on my sleep practice, West Michigan CPAP Alternatives, and I have to say I am so glad I made the switch! (I do miss the paycheck from the dental practice, though!). Patients love my oral appliance, and it’s so much more rewarding to help people sleep better than to just fix their teeth!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I came out of dental school at age 26 with 450k in school debt, so I figured the only way to get out of that hole was to dig an even bigger one and buy a dental practice right away, putting me in the hole 1.2 million (at age 26). So, were there stresses and struggles early on? definitely, with a whole lot of doubt to come with it (am I out of my depths here? Did I bite off more than I can chew?). But looking back, those early trials and struggles allowed me to learn so many things I could never learn in school or working for someone else (they say the real world is the school of hard knocks, boy, is that ever true). I always had an amazing support system around me (mainly my wife) who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. Also, as I look back, it’s clear to me that the Lord was with me the whole time, testing me and disciplining me. I can say with confidence that I was honest with my dealings with my patients, and I believe the Lord has blessed me for this. My wife would often pray that if I were dishonest in my dealings with patients, the Lord would spank me! Dentistry can, in a way, be a license to steal, and the temptation to “over-treat” is real. One thing I am so glad that my wife and I didn’t do was buy a big house when the temptation was there. We always lived below our means and aggressively paid down our debts. I could not do what I do now if I were not debt-free. Thank the Lord that he disciplined us in this way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a Diplomate Sleep Dentist and specialize in treating sleep apnea and snoring with custom oral appliance therapy. A custom oral appliance is like a retainer you wear in your mouth. It opens the airway by positioning the jaw forward. It is also known as a mandibular advancement device. So, what sets me apart from others? I think it’s helpful to explain the “why” first. I love helping people manage their sleep apnea without CPAP and improve their sleep. It is truly a privilege to do what I do, and patients LOVE their oral appliance. What drives me is continual improvement to get the very best results for my patients. I am constantly refining my process, utilizing the latest technology in sleep medicine, and using only the newest, cutting-edge oral appliances that research shows perform better than older models. I myself rely on my oral appliance, and I personally benefit from practicing at the highest level.
What I do is very different from buying a cheap snore guard online. Online appliances generally do not fit well, do not last long, and do not perform as well. At my practice, I only use the most cutting-edge oral appliances that research shows are significantly more effective than other appliances, fit great, are comfortable, and last. Each patient undergoes multiple nights of home sleep testing while wearing their oral appliance in different lower jaw positions to ensure their lower jaw is set just right. Not too far forward, as to cause side effects, but forward enough to work at its best. This data-driven process is what sets me apart from others. My goal for all my patients is for them to have success with my therapy for the rest of their lives, since sleep apnea typically is for life, gets worse over time, and has no known cure. Results matter. For those who are serious about treating their sleep apnea and snoring, I recommend seeing a specialist like me. Not in the West Michigan area? You can find a Diplomate Sleep Dentist in your area by visiting Dentalsleep.org (Diplomates have a star next to their name)
What’s next?
I want to be a spokesperson for dental sleep medicine. I am passionate about educating both the public and professionals about this niche field of medicine that most don’t even know exists. I have attended many professional conventions in the past and am always blown away by how few professionals know that there is a research-backed, highly effective alternative to CPAP that doesn’t require surgery.
Pricing:
- Depends on appliance type. Consultations are always free and financials are always discussed up front.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westmichigancpapalternatives.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/West-Michigan-CPAP-Alternatives-Dr-Vandervelden/61578218385661/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/1124325700
