Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing due to airway blockages, leading to significant long-term health risks. Unlike ordinary snoring, sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment by a qualified Newport Beach dentist with specialized training in dental sleep medicine.
Nearly 54 million adults in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea, a chronic breathing disorder where a person suffers from interrupted breathing while they sleep. These interruptions occur when throat muscles, tongue, tonsils, or soft palate relax, blocking the airway and preventing proper breathing — causing blood oxygen levels to drop repeatedly throughout the night.
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OSA symptoms often go unrecognized because many occur during sleep. If you or your partner notice several of these signs, it’s worth a professional evaluation:
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, a professional evaluation is the appropriate next step. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications that extend well beyond poor sleep quality.
The repeated drops in blood oxygen and fragmented sleep caused by OSA place significant strain on your body’s most critical systems:
Sleep apnea requires diagnosis from a qualified sleep physician. Newport Beach Dental Center works closely with sleep specialists to coordinate proper evaluation and treatment planning. The process typically involves an initial screening, then a sleep study — either an at-home test (monitors breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement in your own bed) or a more comprehensive in-lab polysomnogram. A sleep physician reviews results to confirm diagnosis and determine severity: mild (5–15 interruptions/hour), moderate (15–30/hour), or severe (30+/hour).
Newport Beach Dental Center, led by Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, focuses primarily on custom oral appliance therapy — an evidence-based alternative to CPAP that is particularly effective for mild to moderate OSA and for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Dr. Sharbash’s Diplomate certification from the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (D.ABDSM) represents the highest level of credentialing in dental sleep medicine — requiring rigorous examination in managing sleep-related breathing disorders. She is an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and collaborates with sleep physicians, ENT specialists, and other providers to ensure comprehensive care. Most medical insurance plans (not dental) cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed OSA — the team navigates insurance requirements and documentation on your behalf.
“Dr. Laura Sharbash is incredible! She is so thorough and informative, and lets you know every step of the way what’s going on so there are no surprises.” — Dalia Soliman
“Dr Laura is phenomenal. She is a true expert and will make you feel at ease. Her staff is also friendly and knowledgeable.” — Ghada Alajeely
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.
