Snoring Appliances

Snoring occurs as the airflow when sleeping causes the relaxed tissues in the back of your throat to vibrate. Although nearly everyone occasionally snores, it's a chronic problem in some people. 

According to statistics, about 90 million individuals in the United States snore while they sleep. While nearly half of these people are just snoring, there's a chance others suffer from a form of sleep-disordered breathing known as sleep apnea. 

The following factors can influence airflow through the nose and mouth and contribute to acute or chronic episodes of snoring:

• Obstructed nasal passages
• Relaxed and poorly toned throat and tongue muscles
• Bulky throat tissue, long soft palate, or large uvula
• Alcohol and muscle relaxants
• Sleep deprivation
• Sleeping on back

A custom-fabricated oral appliance for snoring 

As the first step in care, it's essential to determine if your chronic snoring issue is indicative of a more serious medical condition. Although loud & chronic snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, many people who snore do not have sleep apnea.

If it's determined that your problem is snoring alone, then you are what is known as a “primary snorer.” To help you and others in your household enjoy a quieter and more comfortable sleep, we often recommend a custom-fabricated oral appliance.

As worn at bedtime and throughout sleep, this appliance fits somewhat like a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. It offers a removable and non-invasive treatment for snoring that slightly repositions your jaw to allow improved airflow and promote a quieter, more restful sleep.

You may have seen over-the-counter devices that are marketed towards snoring. Please be aware of the dangers of using these devices. They are not truly customized to your individual needs and can lead to severe complications, including jaw pain and tooth movements.

Furthermore, while you may feel like it helps you with your snoring, there is no way of knowing if it is truly therapeutic in treating an underlying condition. If you are concerned about your snoring or potential for obstructive sleep apnea, it is important to seek care from a medical professional, who can accurately diagnose your sleep related breathing disorder and prescribe the appropriate treatment customized to your individual needs.