Snoring happens when the soft tissues at the back of the throat vibrate as air moves past them during sleep. Occasional snoring is common, but for many people it becomes a recurring disruption that affects sleep quality for them and others who share their home.
Estimates suggest tens of millions of adults in the United States snore to some degree. While many people are "primary snorers" — meaning snoring is their main issue — loud or frequent snoring can also be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing that deserves medical attention.
Several anatomical and lifestyle factors can make snoring more likely. Understanding these contributors helps guide sensible, noninvasive options that reduce noise and improve breathing while you sleep.
Custom oral appliances are designed to be worn during sleep and work by gently repositioning the lower jaw and supporting the tongue so the airway remains more open. Because they are molded to your teeth, they sit securely and affordably in most mouths without the invasiveness of surgery.
Unlike over-the-counter mouthpieces, a custom device is made from impressions of your teeth, which improves comfort and retention. The precise fit helps the appliance maintain an effective jaw position through the night while minimizing unwanted movement or irritation.
The mechanism is straightforward: by advancing the jaw by a small, controlled amount, the soft tissues behind the tongue are given more space so airflow is less turbulent. That reduction in vibration commonly translates into quieter sleep for both the patient and their partner.
Because these appliances are removable and worn only at bedtime, they are a conservative treatment option that many patients prefer when their snoring does not stem from a more serious medical condition.
Oral appliances are most appropriate for individuals whose primary complaint is snoring without clear signs of moderate or severe sleep apnea. During an initial evaluation we look for symptoms, risk factors, and any red flags that would prompt a sleep medicine referral before dental treatment.
Good candidates often include people with positional snoring, those with anatomies that respond to slight forward jaw movement, or sleepers who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). An appliance can also be considered when a conservative, reversible option is preferred.
Because loud snoring can coexist with sleep-disordered breathing, we coordinate with physicians when necessary. If a sleep study indicates a higher level of sleep apnea, the dentist and sleep specialist will work together to decide whether a dental appliance is a suitable component of care.
Age, dental health, and jaw function are also important considerations. Patients should have enough natural teeth or stable dental restorations to retain the appliance, and any temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues are evaluated to minimize the risk of discomfort.
Your first visit typically includes a thorough review of your sleep history, a physical exam of the airway and oral structures, and questions about daytime symptoms such as fatigue or concentration problems. When appropriate, we confirm whether further medical testing is needed before making a dental appliance.
If an oral appliance is recommended, we take precise impressions of your teeth and a bite registration to capture the specific jaw position that will promote better airflow. Those records are used to craft a custom device in a dental laboratory so it matches your mouth closely.
At the fitting appointment you will try the appliance, and we’ll make minor adjustments for comfort and effectiveness. Small, incremental changes to the jaw position are safer and more comfortable than large immediate advances, and they allow us to find the right balance between symptom relief and oral comfort.
Follow-up visits are an important part of the process. During these checks we evaluate how the appliance is performing, address soreness or fit issues, and make further refinements as needed to maintain both function and comfort over time.
Proper daily cleaning preserves the appliance’s materials and prevents bacterial buildup. Rinse the device after use, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, and store it in a protective case away from heat or pets. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the fit.
Wear patterns and minor changes in your bite can occur over months or years. Regular dental reviews allow us to identify wear, cracks, or fit changes early so repairs or replacements can be scheduled before performance is affected.
If you experience new or worsening jaw pain, tooth mobility, or bite changes, contact the office promptly. Early attention reduces the likelihood of longer-term dental changes and keeps the appliance working as intended.
Keeping a simple sleep log — noting nights you used the appliance and any changes in sleep quality — can help your clinician assess progress and guide adjustments during follow-up visits.
Many patients experience a meaningful reduction in snoring volume and frequency, and partners often notice immediate improvement. Patients may also report better subjective sleep quality, though objective daytime alertness can vary depending on underlying sleep disorders.
It’s important to have realistic expectations: oral appliances are most effective for primary snoring and for some cases of mild to moderate sleep-disordered breathing. They are not a guaranteed cure, and results differ between individuals.
If you continue to feel excessively sleepy during the day, or if someone observes pauses in your breathing during sleep, further evaluation by a sleep medicine specialist is warranted. These signs can indicate obstructive sleep apnea or another medical condition that requires targeted treatment.
When properly fitted and monitored, a custom oral appliance can be an effective, conservative option for improving nighttime breathing and reducing disruptive snoring for many adults.
At Smith Tano Dental Group, we focus on careful assessment and a patient-centered approach to determine whether a custom snoring appliance is the right option for you. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an evaluation with our team.
