Loud snoring, gasping for air in the middle of the night, and waking up exhausted despite a full eight hours in bed are signs your body may be struggling to breathe properly while you sleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, disrupts your airway hundreds of times a night, and the effects reach far beyond feeling tired the next day. Left unaddressed, OSA has been linked to serious cardiovascular strain, and many people go years without realizing a dental solution could help.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we take Obstructive Sleep Apnea seriously. Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, a credential held by only a small number of dentists nationwide. This distinction reflects advanced training specifically in the diagnosis support and oral appliance management of OSA, giving our patients access to a level of dental sleep care that goes beyond what a general dentist typically offers.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax during sleep, allowing soft tissue to collapse and block your airway. This blockage can happen hundreds of times throughout the night, each time causing a brief awakening that fragments your sleep and lowers your blood oxygen levels. Over time, these repeated interruptions place significant strain on your heart and blood vessels, since every drop in oxygen can raise your blood pressure and stress your cardiovascular system.
Research compiled through the National Institutes of Health notes that OSA significantly affects cardiovascular health, behavioral conditions, quality of life, and driving safety. We work to help you recognize the signs early, since catching Obstructive Sleep Apnea sooner can make treatment more straightforward and protect your long-term health.
Oral appliance therapy is our primary approach to treating mild to moderate OSA, and it works as a comfortable alternative for patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. We custom fit a small device that you wear like a retainer while you sleep, and it gently repositions your lower jaw to keep your airway open through the night. Many patients find this option easier to stick with than a CPAP mask, which can improve overall treatment success because a device you actually wear night after night works better than one left in a drawer.
Dr. Sharbash’s D.ABDSM credential means she has met rigorous standards set by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine for evaluating, fitting, and monitoring these devices. We take detailed impressions and bite measurements to make sure your appliance fits precisely, and we schedule follow up visits to confirm the device is working as intended. If you have already been diagnosed but have struggled with CPAP, our page comparing oral appliance therapy to CPAP treatment walks through how the two approaches differ.
Getting started with sleep apnea treatment at our office follows a clear sequence, and knowing what comes next can make the process feel far less overwhelming. Your path typically includes the following stages:
Every stage above builds toward a treatment plan suited to your specific needs, and we stay involved at each step rather than handing you a device and sending you on your way.
Cost is often one of the biggest questions patients have, and one detail surprises many people right away. Sleep apnea oral appliances are frequently billed through medical insurance rather than dental insurance, since OSA is classified as a medical condition. We help you understand this distinction from the start and work with you to verify your specific coverage before treatment begins.
Every patient’s insurance situation looks a little different, so we prioritize transparency about what a consultation and appliance may involve for you personally. Our team can also walk you through financing options if needed, since we believe cost should never stand in the way of addressing a condition that affects both your sleep and your overall health.
Patients travel to our Newport Beach office from throughout Orange County for sleep apnea care, including nearby communities such as Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Beach. Wherever you are coming from, our approach stays the same: a thorough evaluation, a clear explanation of your options, and a custom appliance built specifically for your bite and airway.
We also recognize that OSA can look different from patient to patient, which is why we avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Anyone unsure whether their symptoms point to OSA can review our list of risks tied to ignoring sleep apnea symptoms as a starting point.
Several signs may point toward OSA, and recognizing them early can help you seek treatment before complications develop. Loud snoring, especially when paired with gasping or choking sounds, is one of the most common indicators, along with waking up with a dry mouth or headache. Excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a bed partner noticing pauses in your breathing are also worth bringing up during a consultation.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, scheduling an evaluation is a reasonable next step rather than something to put off. We can help clarify whether a sleep study is warranted and explain what that process typically involves.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a manageable condition, and the right treatment plan can make a meaningful difference in both your sleep quality and your long-term health. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash brings her D.ABDSM credential and years of comprehensive dental experience to every OSA evaluation, giving you access to specialized care within a familiar dental setting.
We also offer clear aligner treatment supported by ProMonitoring, an FDA-cleared, AI-driven remote monitoring system that allows us to track progress digitally between visits, in case orthodontic concerns come up alongside your sleep apnea consultation. If you are ready to find out whether oral appliance therapy could help you sleep better and protect your health, request an appointment to get started.
If you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, experience excessive daytime sleepiness, or your partner notices you stop breathing during sleep, it’s worth an evaluation. During a sleep study, your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement are monitored while you sleep — either at home or in a lab. Dr. Sharbash works with sleep physicians to arrange studies and coordinate results.
Yes — while diagnosis must come from a sleep physician, dentists with specialized training play a crucial role in treatment. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recognizes oral appliance therapy as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate OSA. Dr. Sharbash’s D.ABDSM Diplomate represents the highest level of credentialing in dental sleep medicine, and she collaborates directly with physicians to coordinate comprehensive care.
Most patients adapt within 1–2 weeks. The first few nights may feel slightly unfamiliar — minor jaw soreness or increased salivation can occur — but these resolve quickly. About 90% of patients successfully adapt and experience significant improvements in sleep quality and daytime alertness. Follow-up appointments allow for adjustments to optimize fit and comfort.
Most medical insurance plans (not dental insurance) cover oral appliances when used to treat diagnosed OSA, as sleep apnea is recognized as a medical condition regardless of whether treatment comes from a physician or a qualified dentist. Coverage typically requires a sleep study diagnosis, a physician’s prescription, and treatment from a credentialed provider. The team handles documentation and pre-authorizations.
With proper care, a quality oral appliance typically lasts 3–5 years. Daily maintenance involves cleaning with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste), rinsing thoroughly, and air-drying before storage. Regular check-ups every 6 months — coinciding with routine dental visits — ensure the appliance continues to fit properly and manage symptoms effectively.
Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from getting the care you need. Schedule a sedation dentistry consultation with Dr. Sharbash today.
