Advanced Snoring Treatment in Parker, CO
Sleep Better with a Custom-Made Dental Appliance
If you or a loved one snores, it can make sleeping feel next to impossible, at times. However, the effects of snoring can go beyond the inconveniences of disturbing your partner or entire household from sleeping. Snoring could be a symptom of sleep apnea, which is a severe sleeping disorder that often leads to other more serious health issues if left untreated. Snoring is the sound caused by airway tissues vibrating against each other when they’re blocked. While snoring is common among older adults and those who are overweight, if you experience snoring, you don’t have to live with it. We may be able to help you stop snoring and sleep better with a custom-fitted oral appliance. Many times, our snoring treatment is covered by your dental or medical insurance. Contact us today to request your free consultation.
Snoring Treatments Vary by Patient and Severity of Snoring
At Twin Aspen Dental Center, our custom-fitted oral appliances and mouthguards are used to treat snoring and even sleep apnea in mild-to-moderate cases. Recommended snoring treatments will vary by patient, depending on the severity of their snoring and related symptoms. Treatment may begin with simple lifestyle adjustments, including losing weight, making dietary changes, quitting smoking, or drinking less alcohol or caffeine at night. It may also be necessary to examine your sleeping position. Patients who sleep flat on their backs typically have more issues with snoring than patients who sleep on their sides.
Once these changes have been implemented, our dentist may suggest having you submit to a thorough oral examination and consultation to discuss FDA-approved oral appliance therapy to reduce your snoring. During your consultation, our dentist will create a mould of your teeth, which will be used to fabricate your oral appliance. When you return, we may make adjustments as necessary to ensure the perfect fit. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the success of the treatment over time.
What Are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy for Snoring?
Oral appliance therapy involves custom-fitting a patient for a mouthguard designed to reduce snoring by pushing your jaw forward and holding your tongue securely in place while you sleep. This helps to prevent airway blockages. A dental appliance fits similarly to an orthodontic retainer. If not fitted accurately, such devices may cause jaw pain and other issues. It’s essential to discuss snoring treatments with your dentist to avoid risks and complications. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, oral appliance therapy offers several advantages to patients with snoring or sleep apnea issues. Because they’re custom-made by your dentist, these devices are comfortable and easy to wear. They’re also portable and easy to maintain, making them ideal for travel. Many patients have reported a significant reduction in snoring as a result of wearing a custom-fitted oral appliance at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients notice an improvement in their snoring within the first few nights of wearing a custom oral appliance. Because the appliance gently repositions the lower jaw and helps keep the airway open during sleep, it can reduce the vibrations in the throat tissues that cause snoring. Some individuals experience immediate relief, while others may require a brief adjustment period as they become accustomed to wearing the device.
The timeline for results may also depend on the severity of the patient’s snoring, the fit of the appliance, and the presence of underlying conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. During follow-up appointments, your dentist can evaluate your progress and make any necessary adjustments to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Consistent nightly use is essential for long-term success and improved sleep quality.
The lifespan of a sleep apnea mouth guard or snoring appliance varies depending on the type of device, how often it is worn, and how well it is maintained. In many cases, a professionally made oral appliance can last between three and five years before replacement is recommended.
Over time, normal wear and tear can affect the fit and effectiveness of the appliance. Changes in dental restorations, tooth movement, or natural changes in the bite may also impact how the device fits.
Oral appliance therapy is considered a safe and noninvasive dental treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Most patients adapt quickly, but some may experience minor side effects during the adjustment period. The most common side effects include:
- Mild jaw soreness or stiffness
- Increased saliva production
- Dry mouth
- Gum or tooth sensitivity
- Minor discomfort when first waking up
- Minor tooth movement
These symptoms often improve as the patient becomes accustomed to the appliance. In some cases, occasional adjustments by a dentist for snoring may be needed to improve comfort and effectiveness.
It’s important to properly care for your snoring appliance to extend its life. A clean, well-maintained device can also reduce the accumulation of bacteria and odors. Patients should follow these maintenance recommendations:
- Rinse the appliance with cool water before and after each use.
- Clean it daily using a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive cleaner.
- Allow the appliance to dry completely before storing it.
- Keep it in its protective case when not in use.
- Avoid exposing it to hot water, direct sunlight, or excessive heat, which can warp the material.
- Bring the appliance to regular dental appointments for professional evaluation and cleaning recommendations.
Yes, oral appliance therapy is often used as a sleep apnea treatment for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. By gently repositioning the lower jaw, the appliance helps keep the airway open throughout the night, reducing breathing interruptions and improving airflow.
A sleep study and professional evaluation are typically recommended to determine whether a sleep apnea appliance is the most appropriate treatment option. For many patients, oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy while helping improve sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and lessen snoring.
Many adults who experience chronic snoring may benefit from a consultation with a dentist. Candidates often include individuals whose snoring is caused by airway obstruction during sleep or those seeking a non-surgical alternative to treatment.
Patients who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy or who prefer a more portable solution may also be good candidates for oral appliance therapy. A thorough dental and sleep-related evaluation can help determine whether dental treatment for snoring is the right solution.
Request a Free Consultation with Our Dentist Today
At Twin Aspen Dental Center, we’ve made it easy to stop snoring and sleep better by giving our patients a free consultation. Using a few non-invasive tests and state-of-the-art technology, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for one of our custom-fitted oral appliances or mouthguards. These appliances are usually covered by medical or dental insurance and can quickly become the most valuable component in your life for a good night’s sleep, better energy levels, and a reduction in snoring and morning headaches. If you’d like to learn more about snoring treatment options offered at Twin Aspen Dental, contact us today to get started.