Stop Your Snoring with an Oral Appliance

How often has your partner complained about your snoring? It’s not uncommon to snore every once in a while, but if it happens every night, your loved ones are likely to become annoyed with the noise – and depending on the cause of the snoring, your health could suffer as well. In many cases, a simple medical device known as an oral appliance can be the solution for a quieter, more restful night for everyone. Read on to learn more about oral appliances and why you might need one.

Why Do People Snore?

The sound of snoring is the result of an airway that has been blocked by your tongue, your soft palate, or the soft muscles in your throat. As air passes by the blockage, it causes these tissues to vibrate. The narrower the airway, the more forceful the airflow has to be to successfully move past it, causing the vibrations to grow worse and the snoring to grow louder.

Common risk factors for snoring include:

• Overall mouth anatomy. For example, a soft palate that’s particularly low and thick is likely to block the airway.
• Being overweight. Extra tissue around the throat only increases the risk of blockage.
• Alcohol. When you drink before bedtime, alcohol causes your throat muscles to relax.
• Nasal problems. Oftentimes airway blockage is the natural result of nasal congestion.

How Can an Oral Appliance Help?

An oral appliance resembles a mouthguard, like the kind you might wear to play sports. But instead of protecting the teeth from external damaged, it’s instead designed to support the jaw and soft palate in a forward position, thus keeping the upper airway open. Some oral appliances also hold the tongue in place so that it doesn’t collapse on top of the throat and block airflow. Compared to other possible solutions for snoring, such as CPAP therapy, oral appliances are far more comfortable and convenient.

The Process of Getting an Oral Appliance

First, you’ll need to talk to your dentist about having the cause of your snoring evaluated. This typically includes a thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway; an X-ray might be taken. Then an impression or model will be made of your teeth and sent to a dental lab. You’ll later return to the dentist to have your oral appliance fitted. You’ll also learn how to clean and maintain the appliance at home. You may have a follow-up visit later to make sure that the oral appliance fits correctly.

Many people have already found relief from snoring thanks to their oral appliance, and you can join them. Get in touch with a sleep dentist or another sleep expert today to talk about your problems with snoring and see if an oral appliance will make your nights more peaceful.

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Dean became a dentist so that he could take care of people and help improve their lives in direct, lasting ways. Sleep apnea therapy is one of his biggest passions, and he has attended countless trainings and courses to treat sleep-disordered breathing and snoring. If you’re interested in an oral appliance for quieter nights, set up a consultation with Dr. Dean at Covington Sleep Center via our website or call (770) 710-5268.