Snoring happens when the tissues at the back of the throat vibrate as air moves past them during sleep. For many people it is an occasional nuisance — a noisy inconvenience that disrupts sleep for partners and family. For others it becomes a nightly pattern that affects sleep quality and daytime alertness.
While snoring itself is common, it exists on a spectrum. Some people are "primary snorers," meaning their noisy breathing is not accompanied by the pauses in breathing characteristic of more serious sleep-disordered breathing. Others may have underlying conditions that require medical evaluation. Understanding the difference helps determine whether conservative measures, such as an oral appliance, are appropriate.
Below are clear, practical explanations about what causes snoring, when to seek evaluation, and how custom-fabricated snoring appliances work. The goal is to give you reliable, easy-to-understand information so you can make informed choices about safer, quieter sleep.
Snoring is fundamentally an airflow problem. When the upper airway narrows during sleep, the velocity of air moving through that restricted space increases and soft tissues vibrate. Anatomy — such as the shape of the jaw, the size of the tonsils, or the length of the soft palate — plays a major role in how easily the airway collapses or becomes turbulent.
Certain behaviors and temporary conditions can make snoring worse. Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles that normally help keep the airway open. Sleep deprivation and sleeping on your back both increase the likelihood that throat tissues will fall back and restrict airflow. Nasal congestion, whether from allergies or a deviated septum, forces more breathing through the mouth, which can change the pattern of vibration and amplify noise.
Common contributors include:
Most snoring is benign, but some signs suggest a deeper problem. If snoring is accompanied by witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping or choking episodes, excessive daytime sleepiness, loud and persistent snoring, or morning headaches, it’s important to seek evaluation. These symptoms can indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that carries broader health implications.
A medical or dental professional can help determine whether snoring is an isolated issue or part of a sleep-disordered breathing problem. Typically, that assessment begins with a detailed history, questions about daytime function, and sometimes referral for a sleep study. The goal is to identify people who need medical therapies versus those who may benefit from dental appliance therapy or behavioral changes.
Knowing which category you fall into guides safe and effective treatment. For people identified as primary snorers — those without apneic events — targeted, conservative approaches often reduce noise and improve sleep without invasive procedures.
Oral appliances designed for snoring are custom-made devices worn at night that reposition the lower jaw slightly forward. By advancing the mandible, these appliances increase the space behind the tongue and help stabilize soft tissues so they are less likely to vibrate. Unlike CPAP therapy, which delivers continuous air pressure, oral appliances are removable and work mechanically to open the airway.
The devices are generally similar in feel to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. They are fabricated from impressions of your teeth to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. Because they are custom-made, adjustments can be made to balance comfort with airway improvement, and follow-up visits allow the clinician to refine the fit for best effect.
For many people who snore but do not have significant sleep apnea, a mandibular advancement device offers a practical, non-invasive option that can markedly reduce audible snoring and improve sleep quality for both the snorer and their bed partner.
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation. Your clinician will review your health history, sleep symptoms, and any daytime effects. If there are red flags for sleep apnea, a referral for further medical testing may be recommended before pursuing an oral appliance alone. When appliance therapy is appropriate, dental impressions or digital scans are taken to create a precise appliance.
After fabrication you will receive an initial fitting and instructions for use. Early adaptation can include mild jaw soreness or increased salivation as your mouth adjusts; these effects typically improve with time and proper adjustment. Follow-up appointments allow the clinician to fine-tune jaw advancement and monitor comfort, bite changes, and effectiveness. Periodic checks also help detect any dental or jaw-related side effects early.
Documented improvement is usually measured by a reduction in snoring frequency and intensity, and by patient-reported improvement in sleep quality. For ongoing safety, collaboration between your dental team and your medical provider is important when symptoms change or if you develop signs suggestive of sleep-disordered breathing.
Caring for a snoring appliance is straightforward: daily cleaning, proper storage, and regular dental checkups keep the device functioning and hygienic. Over time, small adjustments may be needed to maintain comfort and effectiveness. Because these appliances work by altering jaw position, routine monitoring helps identify any dental movement or TMJ-related symptoms early.
The benefits of a well-fitted, custom appliance can include quieter nights, fewer sleep interruptions, and improved daytime energy for many primary snorers. They are an attractive option for people seeking a non-invasive, easy-to-use solution that does not involve continuous airflow or surgical intervention. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all cure and work best when prescribed as part of a complete evaluation.
Successful outcomes depend on proper patient selection, accurate fabrication, and follow-up care. The office of Lesley Holloway the Dentist works with patients to align expectations, monitor progress, and coordinate care with medical colleagues when necessary to ensure a safe, effective approach to improving sleep and reducing snoring.
In summary, snoring is a common sleep issue with many causes. Custom-fabricated oral appliances offer a proven, non-invasive option for those whose snoring is not associated with significant sleep apnea. If you’d like to learn more about whether an oral appliance may be right for you, please contact us for more information.
A snoring appliance is a custom oral device worn at night that repositions the lower jaw slightly forward to increase airway space and reduce tissue vibration. By stabilizing the tongue and soft tissues, the device reduces turbulent airflow that causes audible snoring. These appliances are removable and work mechanically rather than by supplying continuous air pressure.
Most devices resemble a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer and are designed from precise dental impressions or digital scans. Their fit and degree of jaw advancement can be adjusted to balance comfort and effectiveness. Regular follow-up ensures the appliance continues to open the airway without causing unwanted bite changes.
A mandibular advancement device (MAD) repositions the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open mechanically, while CPAP uses pressurized air delivered through a mask to splint the airway open during sleep. MADs are portable, removable, and generally quieter and less obtrusive than CPAP systems. CPAP remains the standard treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea because it directly prevents airway collapse on each breath.
For people whose primary problem is snoring without significant apneic events, a MAD can be an effective conservative option. Choice of therapy depends on diagnostic findings, symptom severity, patient preference, and medical recommendations. Coordination between dental and medical providers helps determine the safest option for each individual.
Good candidates are typically adults who snore regularly but do not have evidence of moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea on clinical evaluation or sleep testing. Candidates should have enough natural teeth or stable dental structures to retain the appliance and should not have active gum disease or significant unmanaged temporomandibular joint disorders. A thorough assessment by a dental or medical professional helps identify appropriate candidates.
People with mild sleep-disordered breathing or primary snoring often see measurable reductions in noise and sleep disruption with a well-fitted appliance. Those with red-flag symptoms such as witnessed apneas, choking episodes, excessive daytime sleepiness, or cardiovascular concerns should undergo medical evaluation before appliance therapy. When indicated, collaboration with a sleep medicine specialist ensures safe and effective treatment planning.
Fabrication begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation and detailed records, including dental impressions or digital scans and an assessment of jaw range of motion and bite. The laboratory uses those records to create a precisely fitted appliance that positions the lower jaw forward within a comfortable, therapeutic range. An initial fitting appointment verifies fit, retention, and comfort and allows the clinician to make minor adjustments.
After delivery, the clinician provides instructions for nightly use, cleaning, and storage and schedules follow-up visits to fine-tune jaw advancement and monitor responses. Objective and subjective measures, such as partner reports of snoring and patient sleep quality, guide adjustments. Periodic dental exams ensure the appliance remains functional and that dental or joint issues are identified early.
During the first days to weeks of wearing an appliance, it is common to experience mild jaw soreness, tooth sensitivity, or increased salivation as oral tissues adjust to the new position. These symptoms typically lessen with gradual use and careful adjustment by the clinician. Short-term discomfort can often be managed with over-the-counter analgesics and by following the provided adaptation schedule.
Patients should report persistent or worsening pain, changes in bite, or difficulty opening the mouth to their clinician promptly. Follow-up visits allow incremental changes to the degree of advancement to improve tolerance without sacrificing effectiveness. Most people adapt well within a few weeks and notice progressive reductions in snoring and sleep disruption.
While generally safe, oral appliances can cause side effects including temporary jaw soreness, tooth discomfort, increased salivation, dry mouth, or mild changes in bite alignment. Long-term use may occasionally lead to dental movement or temporomandibular joint symptoms if not monitored and adjusted appropriately. Regular dental follow-up helps identify and address these issues early.
Serious complications are uncommon when an appliance is prescribed and monitored by a trained clinician, but untreated sleep apnea remains a significant health risk and must be ruled out. Patients should be instructed to report new or worsening symptoms so that treatment can be modified or alternative therapies considered. Collaborative care between dental and medical providers enhances safety and outcomes.
Effectiveness varies by individual anatomy, the severity of airway narrowing, and proper device fit and adjustment, but many primary snorers experience substantial reductions in sound intensity and frequency. Clinical studies show that well-fitted mandibular advancement devices can meaningfully reduce snoring and improve reported sleep quality for both patients and their partners. Objective improvement is often confirmed through clinical follow-up and, when appropriate, repeat sleep testing.
Expectations should be realistic: appliances typically reduce snoring rather than eliminate it completely, and results depend on consistent nightly use and periodic adjustments. If symptoms do not improve as expected, clinicians can reassess fit, advancement settings, or refer for additional medical evaluation. Ongoing monitoring ensures the chosen therapy remains the best option as needs change.
Daily cleaning with a soft toothbrush and mild, nonabrasive soap or an appliance cleanser helps prevent buildup of bacteria and keeps the device hygienic. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and store the appliance in its protective case away from heat or direct sunlight when not in use. Avoid using household cleaners, bleach, or hot water that can distort the appliance material.
Bring the appliance to scheduled dental visits so the clinician can assess fit and function and perform professional adjustments or repairs when needed. Replace the device according to the manufacturer’s guidelines or when wear compromises fit and retention. Proper care prolongs effectiveness and helps reduce the risk of oral irritation or infection.
You should seek medical evaluation if snoring is accompanied by witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping or choking episodes, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or unexplained high blood pressure. These signs can indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that carries broader health implications and often requires medical therapies such as CPAP or other interventions. A sleep study or consultation with a sleep medicine specialist helps determine the appropriate course of action.
Dental appliance therapy may still play a role for some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea under medical supervision, but it should not replace recommended medical treatments for moderate or severe disease. Clear communication between your dental clinician and medical providers ensures safe, coordinated care and appropriate escalation when needed. Timely evaluation protects overall health while addressing sleep-related symptoms.
To begin, contact the office of Lesley Holloway the Dentist to schedule an evaluation where a clinician will review your health history, ask about sleep symptoms, and perform an oral and dental examination. If indicated, the clinician will discuss diagnostic steps, take impressions or digital scans, and explain the expected treatment course and follow-up plan. If there are concerns for sleep apnea, the office will coordinate with your medical provider for further testing before initiating appliance therapy.
During the initial visits you will receive guidance on nightly use, cleaning, and what to expect during adaptation, plus scheduled follow-ups to optimize comfort and effectiveness. The practice emphasizes careful selection and monitoring so that appliances are used safely and provide meaningful benefit. Call the office during regular business hours to arrange an appointment or ask about the evaluation process.
Quick Links
Contact Us
