Sleep, Snoring & TMJ Dentistry — Washington, DC

Snore less.
Sleep deeper.
Wake up without the ache.

Fall asleep faster, stay asleep all night, and wake up without jaw pain or morning headaches — no CPAP mask, no surgery. Comfortable, custom dental solutions for sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ, right here in the DMV.

AADSM Qualified Dentist · Howard University DDS · 23+ Years in Practice · AADSM Member · Utah Sleep Mini-Residency Graduate · Columbia Dental Informatics

  • Howard University
  • American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • American Academy of Orofacial Pain
  • University of Utah Health
  • Columbia University
  • Best of D.C. — Washington City Paper
Dr. Marlene Shaw
Meet Dr. Marlene Shaw

Care that puts you first.

I'm Dr. Marlene Shaw. I help people across the DC area breathe easier at night and live without jaw pain.

With advanced training in dental sleep medicine and a patient-first approach, I design every treatment plan personally — so you get comfortable, non-surgical solutions that actually fit your life.

Learn more about Dr. Shaw →
Custom oral appliance

Oral appliance therapy — pioneered by dentists.

A small, custom device you wear while you sleep. It gently holds your airway open — no mask, no hose, no noise machine. It's comfortable, portable, research-backed, and for many of my patients, it replaces CPAP entirely.

This might be for you if:

  • you tried CPAP and couldn't tolerate it;
  • you travel and need something portable;
  • you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a sleep physician;
  • you snore loudly and want to know what's behind it.

Care with a personal touch.

Every treatment plan here is designed by me, personally. I oversee your care from your first visit to your final follow-up — you are never just a chart to me. On some visits you may meet my trained assistant, who works directly under my supervision. Either way, my eyes are on your care at every step, because to me this is personal.

Focused, not general:

this practice is dedicated to sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ disorders.

Technology-forward:

from digital planning to modern diagnostics, I use tech to shorten timelines and take the guesswork out.

Physician-connected:

I work hand in hand with your sleep physician and your dentist — and with physical therapists and specialists when that's what you need.

Made affordable:

low monthly payments from $89/month through Cherry and other third-party financing partners.

As featured in

Business Insider · FOX 5 DC · FOX 59 · CBS 4 · WPFW

  1. 1

    Consultation & evaluation.

    We talk about your symptoms, your sleep, and your jaw. I evaluate what's going on and whether a dental solution fits — before anything else happens.

  2. 2

    Your personalized plan.

    If you're a candidate, I design it around you: a custom oral appliance, TMJ therapy, or both. If you don't have a sleep diagnosis yet, I'll guide you to the right testing first.

  3. 3

    Ongoing care & support.

    I follow your progress, fine-tune your appliance, and check in over time — because treatment isn't a device, it's a relationship.

Book a free consultation →
Patient stories
"You changed my life. You save my son's life."
— a parent
"I had my partial done by Dr. Marlene and she did a wonderful job."
— Richard
"I couldn't be happier and more grateful."
— Keidy
"The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming."
— Alexa
"From the moment I walked in, everything was explained to me in full detail."
— a patient
"They check in every so often to make sure you're comfortable."
— a patient

Frequently asked questions

Will my insurance cover treatment?+

We work with many insurance plans — and we verify your benefits before treatment begins, so you know what to expect. Don't let insurance stop you from coming to us. You don't need insurance — care is still affordable even without it.

What if I can't tolerate CPAP?+

You're exactly who oral appliance therapy was made for.

Is snoring always sleep apnea?+

Not always — but loud, persistent snoring deserves an evaluation.

Will I need surgery?+

I focus on non-surgical solutions first. Surgery is a last resort, not a starting point.

How long does treatment take?+

After your consultation and fitting, your custom appliance is typically ready in 2–4 weeks.

Visit us
Eastern Ave

7826 Eastern Ave NW, Washington, DC 20012

14th Street NW (Columbia Heights)

2750 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

(202) 726-5106 · info@waterbrookdental.com

Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: by special appointment · Sunday: closed

Our office at 14th Street NW

Ready for quieter nights and clearer mornings?

Book a free consultation and find out whether a custom dental solution can change your sleep — no CPAP required.