Laguna Beach residents who wake up exhausted despite a full night’s sleep may be dealing with more than stress or poor sleep hygiene. Loud snoring, gasping for air during the night, and persistent daytime fatigue are common signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition worth taking seriously.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we provide oral appliance therapy for patients throughout Laguna Beach who are looking for an alternative to a CPAP machine. Dr. Laura Sharbash is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, a credential reflecting advanced training in dental sleep medicine. We combine this background with our restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry services to help you protect both your smile and your overall health.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close. This blocks airflow, and in more severe cases, it can happen dozens of times every hour, forcing the brain to wake the body to reopen the airway. Many people do not fully wake up or remember these episodes, but the constant disruption can keep the body from reaching the deep sleep it needs to recover.
OSA is closely tied to cardiovascular health: a recent cardiovascular review found it in an estimated 40% to 80% of patients with hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, or stroke. Recognizing the early signs and seeking treatment can make a big difference in both sleep quality and long-term health. You can read more about the risks of ignoring obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and why it pays to act early.
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Whether you live near Heisler Park or Top of the World, the signs of obstructive sleep apnea often look similar. Common symptoms include the following:
If any of these sound like what you’re going through, a conversation with our team may be the first step toward getting better rest. Not every person with OSA snores loudly, so daytime symptoms matter just as much as nighttime ones. Bringing up anything a partner has noticed, such as pauses in your breathing, can also help us understand the full picture.
Some people find a CPAP machine difficult to use consistently. The mask, hose, and machine noise can make nightly use a challenge. Oral appliance therapy offers a smaller, quieter alternative many patients find easier to tolerate night after night. CPAP works well for many people, so the right choice depends on your diagnosis and preferences, and our guide to oral appliance therapy versus CPAP treatment can help you compare the two.
A custom oral appliance, similar in size to a nightguard, gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open while you sleep. It is made from impressions of your teeth to fit your bite, which supports a more consistent and comfortable fit. Because the device travels easily and requires no electricity, tubing, or mask, it can also suit Laguna Beach residents who travel for work or spend weekends outdoors.
During your first visit, we review your symptoms, discuss any prior sleep study results, and examine your bite. If you have not yet had a sleep study, we can help you take that step, because a proper diagnosis guides the right treatment plan. You can read more about what to expect from an obstructive sleep apnea consultation before you come in. Bring a list of your symptoms and any questions, so we can make the most of your visit.
Our restorative dentistry services mean we look at your bite and jaw position together, which helps us plan an appliance that fits comfortably alongside your other dental needs. Dr. Sharbash’s advanced certification in dental sleep medicine reflects her focus on this area of care. If you are also interested in refreshing your smile, we can discuss our cosmetic dentistry options during the same visit.
We understand how much Laguna Beach’s coastal, active lifestyle, from morning walks along Aliso Beach to weekend hikes, depends on consistent, restorative sleep. Poor sleep can affect focus, mood, and energy in ways that ripple through daily life, so addressing OSA is about more than snoring. Better sleep may help you feel more like yourself.
Ongoing snoring, morning fatigue, or a restless partner are not something you have to accept as normal. Our team may be able to help you find relief through a custom oral appliance designed around your needs, without the bulk or noise of a CPAP machine. Dr. Sharbash’s credentials as a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry reflect advanced training in both general dentistry and dental sleep medicine.
If you are ready to find out whether oral appliance therapy is right for you, our team is here to help you get better rest, whether you are in downtown Laguna Beach or South Laguna. You can request your consultation through our online contact form to get started.
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