Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment
Custom Oral Appliances for Better Sleep and Easier Breathing
Sleep apnea and chronic snoring can disrupt your breathing hundreds of times per night, leaving you exhausted and putting your health at risk. If CPAP masks are uncomfortable or you haven't tried treatment yet, there is a better solution. Dr. Scharf has earned board certification and achieved Diplomate status with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, a distinction that reflects his advanced expertise in dental sleep therapy. Using custom oral appliance therapy, he gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open, allowing you to sleep soundly, breathe naturally, and wake refreshed. Many patients prefer oral appliances to CPAP because they are discreet, portable, and highly effective.
Certified Sleep Medicine Specialist
Custom Oral Appliance Design
Comfortable Alternatives to CPAP
Improves Sleep Quality
Understanding Sleep Apnea
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These breathing pauses (called apneas) can last 10 seconds to a minute or longer, occurring dozens to hundreds of times per night. Most people with sleep apnea don't realize they're gasping for air because they don't fully wake up. Instead, they experience fragmented, unrefreshing sleep and wake exhausted despite spending 8+ hours in bed. Over time, repeated oxygen deprivation strains the heart and affects overall health.
Sleep Apnea and its Impact
Sleep apnea affects over 25 million Americans, and many cases remain undiagnosed. This condition involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often caused by the relaxation of muscles and retraction of the lower jaw, which obstruct the airway. These pauses in breathing can occur hundreds of times per night, reducing oxygen intake and disrupting sleep cycles. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic fatigue.
Recognizing Symptoms
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, abrupt awakenings with shortness of breath, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Many patients also experience irritability, depression, or dry mouth upon waking. While snoring can be an early sign, it is important to recognize that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea — and a professional diagnosis is essential.
Treatment Options
For patients who struggle with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, Dr. Scharf designs custom oral sleep appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices. These comfortable, mouthguard-like appliances reposition the jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open during sleep. They effectively reduce snoring and breathing interruptions, improve sleep quality, boost energy, and enhance cognitive function. Through expert care and tailored solutions, Dr. Scharf helps patients achieve deeper, healthier sleep and long-term wellness.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These breathing pauses (called apneas) can last 10 seconds to a minute or longer, occurring dozens to hundreds of times per night. Most people with sleep apnea don't realize they're gasping for air because they don't fully wake up. Instead, they experience fragmented, unrefreshing sleep and wake exhausted despite spending 8+ hours in bed. Over time, repeated oxygen deprivation strains the heart and affects overall health.
Sleep Apnea and Its Impact
Sleep apnea affects over 25 million Americans, and many cases remain undiagnosed. This condition involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often caused by the relaxation of muscles and retraction of the lower jaw, which obstruct the airway. These pauses in breathing can occur hundreds of times per night, reducing oxygen intake and disrupting sleep cycles. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic fatigue.
Recognizing Symptoms
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, abrupt awakenings with shortness of breath, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Many patients also experience irritability, depression, or dry mouth upon waking. While snoring can be an early sign, it is important to recognize that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea — and a professional diagnosis is essential.
Treatment Options
For patients who struggle with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, Dr. Scharf designs custom oral sleep appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices. These comfortable, mouthguard-like appliances reposition the jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open during sleep. They effectively reduce snoring and breathing interruptions, improve sleep quality, boost energy, and enhance cognitive function. Through expert care and tailored solutions, Dr. Scharf helps patients achieve deeper, healthier sleep and long-term wellness.
Insurance and Billing
Dr. Scharf’s team can help you understand how your sleep apnea treatment may be covered by your benefits, including VA insurance, Medicare, CareFirst, and Cigna plans. We accept many major plans and will review your coverage, estimate your out-of-pocket costs, and explain your financial options before starting treatment. Our staff can also assist with claim submissions as a courtesy, so you can focus on your health while we handle the paperwork. For specific questions about your insurance or to see how your plan may apply to sleep apnea care, please call our office to speak with a team member.
Contact Us
Have a question or need to schedule an appointment? We’d love to hear from you! Our team is always happy to help with any questions about your dental care, scheduling, or treatment options. For immediate assistance, give us a call at (410) 429‑8898 — we’re here to make your experience easy and stress‑free.
Client Reviews
I highly recommend Dr. Alan Scharf, DDS. He is personable, knowledgeable, and always takes the time to listen to my concerns. His state-of-the-art office is beautiful and impeccably clean, and his staff is warm, friendly, and professional. Dr. Scharf and his team provide exceptional care and make every visit a positive experience!
-Gigi B
Dr. Scharf has been our family dentist for over 20 years. Following him to his new office did not disappoint. The staff are warm and welcoming. The office includes new, cutting edge technology while maintaining a personal appeal. Dr. Scharf's knowledge, training, and skill give me confidence in his diagnoses and treatments. His energy and enthusiasm make going to the dentist a pleasant experience!
-Joella Anzelc
If you are looking for a dental office that takes its time and delivers top-notch care, this is the place. I am so impressed by how meticulous and thorough this team was during my visit. My teeth feel completely refreshed, smooth and clean. You can tell the staff genuinely cares about patient comfort!
-Lindsey Galbreath