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Snoring happens when air moving through the throat causes relaxed tissues to vibrate during sleep. Most people snore occasionally, but for some it becomes a persistent problem that disrupts sleep quality for the person who snores and their bed partner. While not every case of snoring signals a serious health issue, it is a common reason patients seek help to improve nightly rest and daytime alertness.
Estimates suggest that tens of millions of adults in the United States snore to some degree. For some this is an intermittent annoyance; for others it reflects an ongoing condition called sleep-disordered breathing. Identifying whether snoring is an isolated issue or part of a broader sleep disorder is an important first step toward effective treatment.
At Towne Dental & Orthodontics, we evaluate snoring as part of a broader approach to oral health and sleep wellness. A careful evaluation helps determine whether a custom oral appliance may be a suitable, non-invasive option to reduce snoring and improve airflow through the upper airway.
Snoring results from partial obstruction of airflow through the nose and throat. Several anatomical features can narrow the airway, including nasal congestion, a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, a long soft palate, or a large uvula. These structural contributors can make the soft tissues in the back of the throat more likely to vibrate as air passes through.
Muscle tone also plays a role. During normal sleep the muscles of the tongue and throat relax; in some people this relaxation allows the tongue and soft tissues to fall back and narrow the airway. Age, weight, and certain medications that relax muscles can all increase the likelihood of snoring by altering muscle tone and tissue position.
Behavioral factors matter too. Alcohol use, sleeping on the back, and sleep deprivation are common triggers because they increase muscle relaxation or allow gravity to encourage airway collapse. Nasal congestion from allergies or chronic sinus problems can force mouth breathing, which changes airflow dynamics and can worsen snoring.
Most snorers do not have a life-threatening condition, but loud, frequent snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder in which the airway partially or completely collapses during sleep. Signs that merit further evaluation include gasping or choking during sleep, pauses in breathing observed by a bed partner, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Medical risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, large neck circumference, and certain cardiac or metabolic conditions increase the likelihood that snoring may be associated with sleep apnea. When those factors are present alongside troublesome snoring, collaboration with a physician or sleep specialist can help determine whether diagnostic testing is appropriate.
Screening often begins with a clinical history and physical exam focused on the upper airway and oral structures. If indicated, a primary care provider or sleep medicine specialist may recommend home sleep testing or an in-lab sleep study to identify the presence and severity of sleep-disordered breathing before starting treatment options like oral appliances.
Custom oral appliances, sometimes called mandibular advancement devices, are dental devices worn during sleep that gently reposition the lower jaw and tongue to enlarge the airway. By advancing the jaw slightly forward, these appliances reduce the tendency for the soft tissues to collapse and vibrate—helping to lower the volume and frequency of snoring.
Unlike over-the-counter mouthpieces, a professionally fabricated device is made from impressions or digital scans of your teeth to ensure a precise fit. That customization improves comfort, retention, and effectiveness while minimizing unwanted movement during the night. They are removable, non-surgical, and typically easy for patients to adapt to with gradual wear and adjustment.
Oral appliances are a recognized treatment for primary snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea in patients who are appropriate candidates. They can be an alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate positive airway pressure therapy or prefer a less intrusive approach, though device suitability should be determined through clinical assessment and, when necessary, sleep testing.
The process begins with a thorough dental and medical review that includes questions about sleep patterns, daytime symptoms, and any relevant medical history. A physical exam focuses on the jaw, bite, teeth, and the anatomy of the oral cavity. If your provider suspects a sleep disorder, they may recommend communication with a sleep physician before proceeding with an oral appliance.
Once an appliance is recommended, impressions or digital scans are taken to create a precise model of your mouth. The laboratory then builds the device to the specifications discussed by the clinician, including the amount of mandibular advancement. At the delivery appointment, the appliance is tried in, adjusted for comfort and retention, and the patient receives instructions for nightly use and care.
Follow-up visits are essential. Initial adjustments help manage jaw discomfort and fine-tune the device for optimal airway effect. Periodic reassessments evaluate symptom improvement and check for side effects such as tooth movement, bite change, or jaw joint symptoms. Collaboration between the dental provider and other members of the care team ensures ongoing safety and effectiveness.
Custom oral appliances offer several advantages: they are portable, quiet, and simple to use; they do not require electricity; and many patients find them more tolerable than other interventions. They can deliver meaningful reductions in snoring and improve sleep quality for both the device wearer and their household.
That said, they are not a universal solution. Effectiveness varies by individual anatomy and the underlying cause of snoring. Some patients may experience jaw soreness, temporary tooth sensitivity, excess salivation, or changes in dental alignment. Regular follow-up and appliance maintenance—cleaning, periodic adjustments, and eventual replacement—help manage these issues and extend device lifespan.
When considering treatment, a balanced discussion with your dental provider and, when appropriate, a sleep specialist will clarify expectations and next steps. In many cases a custom oral appliance is an effective, conservative option that fits into a comprehensive plan for better sleep and improved daytime function.
In summary, snoring arises from a mix of anatomical, muscular, and behavioral factors. Custom-fitted oral appliances provide a non-invasive way to open the airway and reduce nighttime noise for many patients. If snoring is affecting your sleep or that of a partner, contact us for more information about evaluation and whether a custom appliance may be right for you.
A snoring appliance is a removable dental device worn during sleep that repositions the lower jaw or tongue to improve airflow. These devices, often called mandibular advancement devices, enlarge the upper airway and reduce soft-tissue vibration that causes snoring. They provide a non-surgical, conservative option for many people who want to reduce nighttime noise and improve sleep quality.
A custom appliance is made from impressions or digital scans of the teeth to ensure a precise fit and predictable retention. Proper customization increases comfort and reduces unwanted movement that can limit effectiveness. Most patients adapt to the device over several nights to a few weeks with gradual wear and professional adjustments as needed.
Good candidates include adults with primary snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or prefer a less intrusive option. Adequate dental health is essential, including enough stable teeth and healthy jaw joints to support the device. Individuals with severe sleep apnea, unstable periodontal disease, or certain TMJ disorders may not be appropriate candidates.
Evaluation typically involves a review of sleep history, daytime symptoms, and relevant medical conditions that increase risk for sleep-disordered breathing. When sleep apnea is suspected, a primary care physician or sleep medicine specialist may recommend a home sleep test or in-laboratory study before starting treatment. Coordination between the dental provider and medical team helps confirm candidacy and ensures safe, evidence-based care.
The evaluation begins with a focused oral exam, assessment of jaw function, and a discussion of sleep habits and symptoms. Your clinician will examine the upper airway and dental occlusion to identify factors that contribute to snoring and to document baseline dental status. This information guides the design and degree of mandibular advancement recommended for treatment.
Towne Dental & Orthodontics uses digital scans or impressions to create a model of your teeth, which a dental laboratory uses to fabricate a custom appliance to the clinician's specifications. At delivery the device is checked for comfort and retention, adjusted as needed, and the patient receives instructions for progressive wear and home care. Follow-up visits are scheduled to titrate advancement, address side effects, and evaluate symptom improvement over time.
CPAP remains the most effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea because it actively splints the airway open with pressurized air. However, many patients find an oral appliance easier to tolerate, more portable, and more convenient for travel and intermittent use. For primary snoring and milder forms of sleep apnea, oral appliances have strong evidence for reducing snoring intensity and improving sleep-related symptoms.
The choice between therapies depends on diagnostic findings, symptom severity, and patient preference. When CPAP is not tolerated or adherence is poor, an oral appliance can be an effective alternative for appropriately selected patients. Shared decision-making and objective follow-up testing help ensure the selected treatment delivers the desired health benefits.
Common side effects include temporary jaw soreness, tooth or gum sensitivity, increased salivation, and occasional dry mouth when the device is first used. Many of these effects diminish with gradual wear, adjustment of the appliance, or simple home care measures. More significant issues such as persistent bite changes or chronic jaw pain are less common but warrant prompt evaluation.
Management strategies include titrating the device slowly, performing jaw exercises, and making incremental adjustments to reduce discomfort. Regular follow-up visits allow the provider to monitor dental alignment and joint health and to make technical modifications to the appliance. If side effects persist despite conservative measures, alternative therapies or a referral to a specialist may be recommended.
Some patients notice a reduction in snoring within the first few nights of consistent use, while others require several adjustments over weeks to achieve optimal benefit. Effectiveness depends on individual anatomy, the degree of mandibular advancement, and nightly adherence to wearing the appliance. Objective improvement in breathing may be confirmed with repeat sleep testing when clinically indicated.
Follow-up appointments during the first few months are common to refine fit and assess symptom changes, including feedback from a bed partner when applicable. Realistic expectations—understanding that outcomes vary—help patients remain engaged in the process of titration and monitoring. Long-term success relies on routine care, scheduled reassessments, and open communication between patient, dental provider, and any involved sleep specialist.
Daily cleaning with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a manufacturer-recommended cleanser prevents buildup of bacteria and helps preserve appliance materials. Rinse the device after each use and avoid hot water, which can warp thermoplastic components. Store the appliance in a ventilated case when not in use to keep it dry and protected.
Avoid bleaching agents, abrasive pastes, or household disinfectants that can damage the device and compromise fit. Bring the appliance to follow-up appointments so the clinician can inspect it for wear and make needed adjustments. Promptly report cracks, persistent fit problems, or unexplained soreness so the appliance can be repaired or replaced as appropriate.
Lifespan varies by design, materials, patient care habits, and functional demands such as teeth grinding; many appliances last two to five years with proper maintenance. Heavier wear from bruxism or frequent adjustments may shorten serviceable life and require earlier replacement. Documenting changes in fit, comfort, or dental alignment helps determine when a new device is needed.
Regular evaluations allow the clinician to extend the appliance's useful life through minor repairs, relining, or fabrication of a replacement when appropriate. Discuss replacement intervals and expectations with your dental provider so you know what to watch for. Keeping a small log of nightly use and any symptoms can be helpful during routine checkups and when deciding if a new appliance is warranted.
Long-term use of a mandibular advancement device can produce small changes in tooth position or bite in some patients, typically developing gradually over months to years. Incidence and degree vary with individual anatomy, device design, and the amount of advancement prescribed. Because these changes are often subtle at first, baseline dental records facilitate early detection.
The dental team monitors occlusion at follow-up visits and can modify the appliance or recommend alternate therapies if bite changes progress. Patients should report new discomfort, changes in chewing, or visible tooth movement so the provider can assess promptly. In many cases, careful surveillance and timely intervention minimize long-term consequences.
Seek prompt medical evaluation if you or a bed partner observes pauses in breathing, loud gasping or choking episodes, or if you experience persistent daytime sleepiness that affects daily function. These signs may indicate obstructive sleep apnea or another serious sleep-related condition that requires timely diagnosis and management. Chest pain, fainting, or new-onset irregular heartbeats associated with sleep complaints warrant urgent medical attention.
If you live near Waller, TX, the office of Towne Dental & Orthodontics can perform an initial dental evaluation and coordinate care with your primary care provider or a sleep specialist as needed. Early collaboration between dental and medical teams ensures a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment planning tailored to your needs. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, do not delay contacting local emergency services or your physician for immediate assessment.