Snoring Appliances in Greenwich, CT
Frequent snoring can disrupt your sleep and the sleep of those around you. For patients with primary snoring that is not caused by obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance may help improve airflow and reduce snoring during sleep.
Greenwich Smiles provides custom snoring appliances designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and support a quieter, more restful night’s sleep.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring occurs when airflow through the upper airway becomes restricted during sleep, causing tissues in the throat to vibrate as you breathe.
For some people, snoring is a standalone condition known as primary snoring. For others, frequent or loud snoring may be associated with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition involving repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
Because treatment depends on the cause, it is important to distinguish primary snoring from sleep apnea before starting treatment.
How Does a Snoring Appliance Work?
A custom snoring appliance is a removable dental device worn while you sleep. It fits over your teeth somewhat like an orthodontic retainer or mouthguard and gently positions the lower jaw to help maintain a more open airway.
Each appliance is customized to your teeth and bite. Once it is made, your dentist will check the fit and make adjustments as needed for comfort.
Wear the appliance only while sleeping, and use it as directed by your dentist.
Benefits of a Custom Snoring Appliance
Custom-Fitted
Your appliance is made specifically for your teeth and bite rather than relying on the generalized fit of an over-the-counter device.
Comfortable and Non-Invasive
Oral appliances provide a non-surgical approach to managing primary snoring and are designed for comfortable nighttime wear.
Quiet
The appliance works without a machine, mask, tubing, or motor, making treatment silent while you sleep.
Small and Portable
A snoring appliance is compact and easy to travel with, allowing you to continue treatment away from home.
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are related, but they are not the same condition.
Someone with primary snoring may make noise while breathing during sleep without repeatedly stopping or significantly reducing airflow. Sleep apnea involves recurring airway obstruction that causes breathing interruptions and can affect sleep quality and overall health.
Signs that snoring may warrant evaluation for sleep apnea include:
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking at night
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Waking frequently or feeling unrefreshed after sleep
If sleep apnea is suspected, you may need an appropriate medical evaluation before determining the right treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snoring Appliances
Can a dental appliance help stop snoring?
Custom oral appliances can reduce the frequency and intensity of primary snoring for appropriate adult patients by helping maintain a more open airway during sleep. Results vary depending on the cause of the snoring and individual anatomy.
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
No. Some people have primary snoring without obstructive sleep apnea. However, because snoring is also a common sign of sleep apnea, frequent or loud snoring should be properly evaluated before treatment.
Is a snoring appliance the same as a sleep apnea appliance?
The devices may work on similar principles by repositioning the lower jaw to help maintain airflow, but they treat different conditions. Sleep apnea requires appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment planning, while a snoring appliance may be used for patients confirmed to have primary snoring without sleep apnea.
Is a snoring appliance uncomfortable?
A custom appliance is made specifically for your teeth and bite and can be adjusted as needed. It may take a short time to get used to wearing any new oral appliance while sleeping.
How often do I wear a snoring appliance?
You generally wear the appliance each night while sleeping. Your dentist will provide instructions based on your individual appliance and treatment needs.
How do I care for my snoring appliance?
Clean and store the appliance according to the instructions provided by Greenwich Smiles. Bring it to periodic dental visits so your dentist can monitor its fit and condition and determine whether adjustments or replacement are needed.
Sleep More Quietly With a Custom Snoring Appliance
If frequent snoring is disrupting your sleep or affecting those around you, a custom oral appliance may provide a simple and comfortable solution once obstructive sleep apnea has been ruled out.
Contact Greenwich Smiles to learn whether a snoring appliance may be appropriate for you.