Drs. William and David Babington
3910 Centreville Rd., Suite 200
Chantilly, VA 20151
703-378-5600

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Insufficient or poor sleep quality has been linked to diabetes, stroke, hypertension, driving accidents, gastoesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), other chronic health problems and premature death.

Sleep is increasingly recognized as a biological function necessary for optimal daytime functioning. Insufficient or poor sleep quality has been linked to diabetes, hypertension, driving accidents, gastoesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), other chronic health problems and premature death. Sleep apnea raises death risk 46%.

Research shows that approximately 87 million Americans snore and over 40 million of those are chronic suffers of sleep disorders. However, only 10% of sleep disorders are diagnosed. Fortunately, dentists like Dr. Braasch are now being trained to recognize signs of risk for sleep disorders and how to treat such disorders.

Snoring is a red flag as it could be an early sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). An alarming 40% of snorers have been shown to have OSA. Snoring and sleep apnea can stem from a variety of causes, but the results are always disruptive for the sufferer and nearly as disturbing and frightening for the apnea patient's family members.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine now recommends oral appliances as a primary or first line of treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. The guidelines state that patients should always be offered the choice of an oral appliance if they have mild to moderate OSA.

For Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
Oral appliances (OAs) are indicated for use in patients with mild to moderate OSA who prefer OAs to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), or who do not respond to CPAP, are not appropriate candidates for CPAP, or who fail treatment attempts with CPAP or treatment with behavioral measures such as weight loss or sleep position change.

For Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of moderate to severe sleep apnea. If patients have tried and failed CPAP, they should be offered treatment with an oral appliance.

Patients with severe OSA should have an initial trial of nasal CPAP [prior to trying oral appliances]. Reference: 1. American Academy of Sleep Medicine website http://www.aasmnet.org
Our treatments include the latest in FDA-approved oral orthotic therapy (OAT), also known as mandibular advancement devices (MAD), to keep the airway unobstructed during sleep. We are highly trained in fitting and maintaining a wide variety of oral devices to reposition the mandible, retain the tongue below the airway and provide positive airway space to limit apnea episodes and their related loss of sleep.

Results of this type of therapy have been encouraging, and many patients report fewer sleep interruptions, more restful nights and greatly diminished daytime fatigue as well as improved health. In addition, family members report improved sleep when their bed partners are less likely to awaken suddenly, snore or sleep fitfully.

It may interest you to know that many health insurance plans do reimburse for OAT and its related services and therapies. Our office will be happy to work with patients to assist in any coverage benefits that may apply to their course of treatment. We will work closely with you and your physician to provide the best treatment option.

If you are interested in knowing your risk for sleep disorders or how an OAT can improve your life, please contact our office for a sleep consultation.

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