Sleep Solutions

Obstructive sleep apnea is an ongoing condition that disrupts sleep. When breathing is paused or becomes shallow, one will often move out of deep sleep and into light sleep, making the quality of sleep poor, and can have severe health consequences. Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, breathing devices, and/or surgery.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is often an effective alternative to CPAP for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Many patients suffering from sleep apnea can find relief using a custom removable Oral Appliance Therapy appliance, which adjusts the position of the lower jaw and tongue to minimize airway obstruction. Patient compliance is a critical component of the effectiveness of oral appliance therapy  and patient comfort can play a vital role in compliance.

For moderate to severe sleep apnea, we recommend the MicrO2® sleep and snoring appliance. MicrO_2® is a comfortable, effective and predictable way to successfully treat snoring and sleep apnea. 

Click here to learn more about MicrO_2®

Snoring is a common problem and can affect men and women of all ages.

Snoring is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the airway. The disruption of airflow causes the soft palate and tissues of the throat to vibrate. The narrower the airway becomes, the louder the snoring.

Snoring can often be treated by wearing a snore guard that maintains an open, unobstructed airway in the throat while you sleep.

Some common causes of snoring include:

• Inflammation of the tissues in the mouth nose or throat (including tonsils)
• Blocked nasal passages (often caused by a cold or allergies)
• Lack of muscle tone (due to aging or poor fitness levels)
• Obesity causing the airway to narrow due to fat
• Medicines that cause relaxation

Many developmental factors, including tongue tie as a child, can affect the size and shape of your airway and aggravate this problem. In some cases, tongue tie release can help adults get better results from sleep apnea treatment.  

For accurate, at-home sleep apnea screening and treatment, the FDA-approved WatchPAT ™ is an ambulatory device which allows for comprehensive sleep testing – all within the comfort of your own bedroom, instead of at a clinic or sleep center.

The precision information our Burke, VA and Fairfax, VA dentist receives is real-time, PSG sleep analysis with exact sleep times, interruptions, and sleep states. With this kind of data, you and Dr. Pamela Marzban can consult with a sleep doctor to craft your customized, healthy treatment plan.