Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea disrupts normal breathing throughout the night, affecting both overall health and day-to-day energy levels. At Nova Dental Partners’ locations in Fairfax, Alexandria, and Woodbridge, Virginia, the team provides custom oral appliance therapy that supports better airflow and reduces snoring and apnea episodes. These comfortable, travel-friendly devices offer an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for many individuals. If you’re concerned about sleep apnea, contact Nova Dental Partners by phone or schedule a consultation online to learn more about your treatment options.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person repeatedly stops breathing for brief moments during sleep. These pauses may occur dozens of times per night — often without the patient realizing it.

The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked by the soft tissues around the throat. Nova Dental Partners helps patients with sleep apnea determine whether oral appliance therapy may be a comfortable and effective treatment option.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Many people with sleep apnea first notice loud snoring or gasping sounds during the night. Other symptoms include:

• Daytime tiredness
• Morning headaches
• Trouble focusing
• Dry mouth
• Irritability or mood changes
• Waking up feeling unrefreshed despite a full night’s sleep

Because breathing interruptions occur during sleep, bed partners often observe symptoms before the patient does.

Why is sleep apnea a serious health issue?

Without treatment, sleep apnea places strain on the body and increases the risk of several health problems, including:

• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes

Sleep apnea also disrupts daily life by causing chronic fatigue and impaired concentration. Early detection and treatment help protect long-term health and improve sleep quality.

How can dentists help with sleep apnea?

Dentists play an important role in managing obstructive sleep apnea. After a sleep study confirms the diagnosis, Nova Dental Partners can create a custom oral appliance.

For patients with mild to moderate OSA, these devices are an effective alternative to CPAP therapy. The appliance fits comfortably like a mouthguard and gently shifts the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open.

This reduces snoring, supports better breathing, and encourages deeper, more restful sleep.

Are oral sleep apnea appliances comfortable?

Oral appliances are lightweight, easy to wear, and simple to travel with. Many patients find them more comfortable than CPAP because there are no straps, masks, tubes, or machine noise.

Nova Dental Partners takes precise measurements to ensure your appliance fits well, protects your jaw joint, and functions effectively. The team customizes your device and can make adjustments over time to improve comfort and results.

If you suspect sleep apnea, schedule an evaluation with Nova Dental Partners. The team will review your symptoms, guide you toward appropriate testing, and discuss whether a custom oral appliance may help you sleep — and breathe — better. Call the office or book a consultation online today.