Sleep Apnea Treatment in Fairfax, VA
Are you one of the over 39 million adults in the US suffering from sleep apnea? Understanding its effects, from disruptive snoring to its broader impact on your life, is crucial. Take the first step toward reclaiming restful nights. Keep scrolling to learn more or schedule a consultation with us. We're here to support your journey to better sleep.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Your airway may be closing during sleep, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Restless sleep or waking up gasping for air
- Waking with dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache or TMJ soreness
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Heartburn and GERD
- Anxiety, depression, or insomnia
Symptoms In Children:
- Loud snoring
- Noisy breathing or restless during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness and irritability
- Bed wetting
- Sleep walking or night terrors
- Behavioral or learning problems
if this sounds like symptoms you or a loved one have been experiencing, please give our office a call for a consultation. We have solutions that can help.
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Find out how Sleep Apnea is affecting you
The Hidden Link Between TMD and Disrupted Sleep
TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) can be closely tied to your sleep quality. An underdeveloped or misaligned jaw can obstruct breathing and disrupt sleep. This can be a root cause behind conditions like snoring, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue.
These interconnected problems become a vicious cycle impacting your sleep, pain, inflammation, and health. By treating TMD and sleep apnea together, we can resolve symptoms and improve your sleep, energy, pain levels, and quality of life.
Oral Appliance Therapy
OAT is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for snoring and OSA that fits easily into your lifestyle. The oral appliance looks like an orthodontic retainer, but supports the jaw in a forward position to help keep your upper airway open, preventing sleep apnea and snoring.
Dr. Berrada is trained to provide OAT and can make a custom-fitted oral appliance using impressions and models of your mouth. Patients enjoy it because it’s comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable, convenient for travel, and easy to clean.
Treating snoring or sleep apnea with OAT can help you feel like a new person, improving your sleep, restoring your alertness, and revitalizing your health. Your symptoms, and your quality of life, can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment.
Your Dentist in Fairfax, VA
Dr. Sanae Berrada
With a bright and vibrant personality, over two decades of expertise, and a passion for and commitment to continuing education, Dr. Berrada uses a whole body wellness approach to improve your dental health and smile. You can count on her for tailored, exceptional care so you can live your healthiest life.
Education & Experience:
- Over 20 years of clinical experience
- New York University (Orthodontics)
- Berkshire Medical Center (General Residency)
- Columbia University (Implant Dentistry)
- Spear Institute for Dental Education
- Platinum Invisalign Provider
- Myobrace Provider
- Vivos Certified
Affiliations:
- Fellowship of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Membership in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM)
- Member of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
- Member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Membership with the American Dental Association (ADA)
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Find out how Sleep Apnea is affecting you
A Simple 2-Step Process
The Screening Process
To begin, we’ll review your dental and medical history, perform a screening exam, and then conduct diagnostic tests. Additionally, we’ll evaluate your head, neck, airway space, tongue, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and it’s position. We may refer you to a sleep physician for an assessment and a sleep study if necessary.
Custom Treatment Plan
Once all diagnostic testing and results are gathered and an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis is confirmed, a customized plan will be created. This may include an appliance in conjunction with other therapies.
Did you know…
Sleep apnea increases the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, depression and sexual dysfunction.
Find out how Sleep Apnea is affecting you
Customized, Quality Care That Fits Your Budget
Complimentary Insurance Coverage Check
Our team will provide complimentary medical insurance benefit verification and help with claim submission. Patients pay their portion in full and will be reimbursed by their insurance provider.
Enjoy up to 6 months of interest-free payments!
We understand that treatment can be an investment. That’s why we work with financing providers to offer payment plans to cover either all or part of your treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) Work?
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Oral Appliance Therapy, or OAT for short, uses a special mouthguard. This mouthguard changes the position of your jaw when you sleep, which prevents oral tissue from sagging into your airway. This means that your breathing won’t be interrupted at night. OAT is ideal for patients with minor-to-moderate apnea.
What Else Can I Do To Treat Sleep Apnea?
Your sleep specialist and your dentist may make some lifestyle recommendations to help with sleep apnea. These may include quitting smoking, exercising, losing weight, avoiding drugs and alcohol (especially before bed), and sleeping on your side, rather than on your back or your stomach.
Should I choose oral appliance therapy or CPAP?
Both oral appliance therapy and CPAP can be effective treatments for sleep apnea and TMJ pain. Oral appliances can effectively treat mild to moderate sleep apnea while also providing relief for TMJ pain by repositioning the jaw. CPAP is considered more consistently effective for severe sleep apnea but requires wearing a face mask attached to a machine, which some find uncomfortable and disruptive for sleep. It's important to discuss your specific symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle with your doctor to find the best treatment for your sleep apnea and TMJ pain.
Is there a link between TMD and OSA?
TMD can be closely tied to your sleep quality. Poor sleep from conditions like sleep apnea deprives your body of enough sleep and oxygen. This will cause sleep bruxism (grinding) leading to jaw pain and teeth wear.
On the other hand, retruded and misaligned Jaws can put strain on your jaw joint (TMJ) and cause airway restriction. This will make you more prone to snoring and disrupted breathing. These interconnected problems become a vicious cycle impacting your sleep, pain, inflammation and overall health.