Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you wake up exhausted, snore loudly, or your partner has noticed you stop breathing in your sleep, you already know something is wrong — you just need someone to help you fix it. At Inova Dental Clinic, Dr. Jafari offers oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, a comfortable and travel-friendly alternative to CPAP that many patients find genuinely life-changing. Call us at (703) 433-1400 to get started.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Sterling, VA

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and restarts throughout the night. The most common form — obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and block your airway, sometimes dozens of times per hour. You may not even remember waking up, but your body does.

Left untreated, sleep apnea raises your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It’s worth taking seriously.

Signs you might have sleep apnea

Not everyone who has sleep apnea knows it. Common symptoms include:

• Loud or frequent snoring
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headaches
• Feeling tired even after a full night of sleep
• Difficulty concentrating or mood changes during the day
• A partner who has noticed you stop breathing during sleep

If several of these sound familiar, bring it up with your primary care doctor and mention it to Dr. Jafari at your next visit. A formal diagnosis requires a sleep study — we can help coordinate from there.

How oral appliance therapy works

For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Jafari may recommend a custom oral appliance — a precisely fitted mouthguard you wear at night. It works by gently positioning your lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the airway open and prevents the tissue collapse that causes apnea episodes and snoring.

The appliance is custom-made to fit your teeth, so it’s comfortable to wear and easy to adjust to. Unlike a CPAP machine, it’s small, silent, and fits in your travel bag. Many patients who struggled with CPAP compliance find an oral appliance much easier to stick with long-term.

What to expect at your appointment

Dr. Jafari will review your symptoms and any sleep study results you already have. If an oral appliance is a good fit, she’ll take precise impressions of your teeth and work with a dental lab to fabricate your device. Once it’s ready, she’ll make sure it fits well and show you how to care for it. Follow-up adjustments are normal and part of the process.

Frequently asked questions

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires a sleep study — either an in-lab overnight test (polysomnography) or a home sleep test ordered by a physician. These track breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement while you sleep. Dr. Jafari can screen for signs and symptoms and coordinate with your sleep specialist, but the official diagnosis comes from the sleep study results.

What are the benefits of oral appliance therapy compared to CPAP?

Oral appliances are quiet, compact, and require no electricity — you can pack them in a carry-on without a second thought. Many patients find them far more comfortable than a CPAP mask, especially for side sleepers. They’re most effective for mild to moderate OSA and for people who travel frequently or can’t tolerate CPAP.

How do I know if an oral appliance is right for me?

Dr. Jafari will evaluate your sleep study results, medical history, and the specific nature of your apnea before making a recommendation. Oral appliances work best for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. If your apnea is severe, a CPAP machine or a combined approach may be more effective — she’ll be straightforward with you about that.

Can children have sleep apnea?

Yes. Pediatric sleep apnea is often linked to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. In children it can look like restless sleep, snoring, bedwetting, or trouble focusing at school. If you’re concerned about your child’s sleep, mention it — Dr. Jafari sees the whole family and can point you in the right direction.

Is sleep apnea hereditary?

There is a genetic component — sleep apnea does tend to run in families. Anatomy (jaw structure, airway size) plays a role, as do lifestyle factors like weight and smoking. Having a family history is a good reason to pay attention to your own symptoms.

What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?

Over time, untreated sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and depression. The chronic sleep deprivation alone affects your concentration, mood, and immune system. Treating it is one of the higher-impact health decisions you can make.

Ready to sleep better? Call us at (703) 433-1400 or schedule a visit — Dr. Jafari and the Inova Dental Clinic team in Sterling are glad to help.