Call Today
(908) 852-3693
Snoring is produced when airflow during sleep causes soft tissues in the upper airway to vibrate. For many people this is an occasional nuisance — a noisy night that resolves with lifestyle changes — but for others it becomes a chronic disruption that affects sleep quality and daytime function. While snoring alone is common, persistent loud snoring can sometimes indicate a more serious sleep-breathing disorder that deserves clinical attention.
Estimates suggest tens of millions of adults in the United States snore regularly, and the condition spans all ages and body types. Contributing factors include nasal congestion, the position you sleep in, alcohol or sedative use, muscle tone of the tongue and throat, and anatomical features such as a long soft palate or enlarged tissues. These influences can narrow the airway and increase the likelihood of vibration and noise.
It’s also important to distinguish “primary snoring” from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Primary snoring refers to noisy breathing without repeated breathing pauses or significant drops in oxygen levels; OSA involves partial or complete airway collapse that can lead to daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular strain, and other health concerns. If you or a household member notices pauses in breathing, choking sounds, or excessive daytime fatigue, a professional evaluation is recommended.
Oral appliances designed for snoring work by changing the position of the lower jaw or tongue to keep the airway more open while you sleep. The most common type slightly advances the mandible (lower jaw) forward, which helps prevent the soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing into the airway. Another style gently holds the tongue in a forward position to achieve a similar improvement in airflow.
These devices are worn only at night and are removable, offering a non-invasive alternative to other treatment options. Because they act mechanically — creating and maintaining space in the breathing passage — they can significantly reduce the soft-tissue vibration that produces snoring. Many patients notice a measurable reduction in noise and an improvement in perceived sleep quality within a few nights to weeks of consistent use.
It’s also worth noting that a custom-fitted appliance made by a dental professional typically provides better comfort and effectiveness than generic, over-the-counter options. A tailored fit minimizes sore spots, protects teeth and restorations, and allows for precise adjustments to balance airway benefit with bite comfort.
Snoring appliances are most often recommended for patients who are diagnosed with primary snoring or for those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who are not able to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. They are suitable for adults with stable dental health and enough natural teeth or other structures to retain the device securely during sleep.
Candidates typically include people who sleep on their back, those whose anatomy predisposes them to airway narrowing, and individuals seeking a quiet, portable, and low-profile solution. Conversely, certain conditions — unstable bite, active periodontal disease, or significant temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain — may make an oral appliance less appropriate until those problems are addressed.
Because sleep-related breathing disorders can affect overall health, selecting the right treatment often involves input from both dental and medical providers. We work with patients and, when appropriate, their sleep physicians to determine whether an oral appliance is the right path based on sleep study results, clinical examination, and personal preferences.
The process begins with a thorough assessment that reviews your sleep history, daytime symptoms, and any previous testing. If there is concern for obstructive sleep apnea, a referral for a sleep study (polysomnography or a home sleep apnea test) may be recommended. Our dental evaluation focuses on oral health, bite alignment, jaw mobility, and the overall feasibility of a removable appliance.
If an oral appliance is appropriate, we take precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a custom-fabricated device. The laboratory-crafted appliance is adjustable so we can incrementally change the jaw position during follow-up visits. Initial appointments focus on comfort, fit, and basic instruction for nightly use — including wear schedule and what to expect during the adaptation period.
Follow-up care is essential to maintain effectiveness and oral health. After delivery, patients typically return for a series of adjustments to optimize airway improvement without causing bite alteration or jaw discomfort. Periodic rechecks allow us to monitor dental changes, appliance wear, and symptom improvement. If symptoms persist or change, we coordinate care with medical colleagues to reassess treatment strategy.
Proper cleaning and storage extend the life of a snoring appliance and keep the mouth healthy. Simple daily routines — rinsing the device after use, brushing it with a soft brush and mild, non-abrasive cleaner, and keeping it in a ventilated case — prevent buildup and odors. Patients should avoid hot water or harsh chemicals that can warp the material.
It’s normal to experience an adaptation period that may include mild jaw soreness, increased salivation, or slight changes in bite feel. These effects usually lessen as muscles adapt, and adjustments can be made to ease discomfort. If more persistent jaw pain, loose teeth, or unusual bite changes occur, discontinue use and schedule an appointment for evaluation.
Over time, appliances can wear or the fit can change as teeth move. Routine dental exams and periodic appliance assessments help catch these issues early. With appropriate care and ongoing monitoring, many patients enjoy years of symptom relief and improved sleep environment for themselves and others in their household.
To learn more about snoring appliances and whether they might be a fit for you, contact the office of Dr. Anthony Iuvone, DMD. For general questions or to discuss next steps, please contact us for more information.
Snoring happens when airflow during sleep makes soft tissues in the upper airway vibrate, producing noise. Common contributors include nasal congestion, sleeping position, alcohol or sedative use, reduced muscle tone in the tongue and throat, and anatomical features such as a long soft palate or enlarged tissues. While occasional snoring is common, persistent loud snoring that disrupts sleep or relationships warrants further attention.
If snoring is accompanied by witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping, choking, or excessive daytime sleepiness, these signs may indicate obstructive sleep apnea rather than primary snoring. Because sleep-related breathing disorders can affect cardiovascular health and daytime function, a professional evaluation is recommended when symptoms are frequent or severe. Early assessment helps determine whether conservative measures, an oral appliance, or medical testing are appropriate.
Snoring appliances work by repositioning the lower jaw or tongue to increase the space in the upper airway and reduce soft-tissue vibration. The most common devices are mandibular advancement appliances that hold the lower jaw slightly forward, helping prevent collapse of the tissues at the back of the throat. Other designs focus on stabilizing the tongue in a forward position to achieve a similar airway benefit.
These devices are worn only during sleep and are removable, offering a non-invasive alternative to other treatments. Because custom-fitted appliances are tailored to the patient’s oral anatomy, they typically provide better comfort and retention than generic over-the-counter options. Adjustability allows clinicians to fine-tune the device to balance airway improvement with bite comfort.
Snoring appliances are commonly recommended for adults with primary snoring and for some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Ideal candidates have stable dental health and sufficient teeth or dental structures to retain the device securely overnight. Candidates should not have active periodontal disease, significant tooth mobility, or an unstable bite until those issues are addressed.
Selection often involves collaboration between dental and medical providers, particularly when sleep study results are available. A thorough oral exam, assessment of jaw movement, and review of sleep symptoms help determine suitability. When indicated, an oral appliance can be an effective, portable, and low-profile treatment option for many adults.
The process begins with a detailed assessment of sleep history, daytime symptoms, and any prior testing to establish the nature of the breathing problem. A dental evaluation reviews oral health, bite alignment, jaw mobility, and the presence of restorations or implants that might affect retention of the device. If obstructive sleep apnea is suspected, a referral for a sleep study may be recommended prior to proceeding with an oral appliance.
If an appliance is appropriate, impressions or digital scans are taken to fabricate a custom device, and initial delivery includes instruction on insertion, removal, and nightly use. Follow-up visits allow progressive adjustments to the jaw position to optimize airway benefit while minimizing bite changes and jaw discomfort. Ongoing monitoring ensures the device remains effective and that any dental or temporomandibular issues are addressed promptly.
Daily cleaning and proper storage are essential to extend the life of the appliance and maintain oral hygiene. Rinse the device after nightly use, brush it gently with a soft brush and mild, nonabrasive cleaner, and allow it to dry before placing it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals, which can warp or degrade the material.
Regular dental checkups provide an opportunity to inspect the device for wear and ensure the fit remains correct as teeth naturally shift over time. If buildup, persistent odors, or visible damage appear, stop using the device and schedule an appointment for evaluation. Proper maintenance helps protect both the appliance and your oral health.
Effectiveness depends on the underlying condition: for primary snoring and for many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances can significantly reduce snoring and improve sleep quality. CPAP remains the standard of care for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea because it consistently delivers positive airway pressure to eliminate airflow obstruction. However, adherence to therapy is a major factor in real-world effectiveness, and some patients prefer or tolerate an oral appliance better than nightly CPAP use.
Clinical decisions should be individualized based on sleep study results, symptom severity, patient preference, and tolerance of treatment. Dental providers often work with sleep physicians to determine the best option and to arrange follow-up testing when needed. When chosen appropriately and monitored, an oral appliance can be an effective component of a comprehensive sleep-breathing care plan.
Mild jaw soreness and temporary changes in bite perception are common during the initial adaptation period as muscles and joints adjust to the new jaw position. These effects typically resolve with time or with small adjustments to the appliance. Persistent jaw pain, significant bite changes, or tooth mobility are less common but should prompt immediate evaluation and modification or discontinuation of the device.
Careful patient selection, custom fabrication, and staged titration help minimize adverse effects on the temporomandibular joint and occlusion. Regular follow-up visits allow the clinician to monitor for dental changes and make timely corrections. If concerns arise, coordination with a specialist in temporomandibular disorders can help guide further management.
Most patients experience an adaptation period of days to a few weeks during which mild increased salivation, transient speech changes, or minor jaw soreness may occur. These symptoms generally improve as muscles and oral tissues acclimate to the device. It helps to use the appliance consistently and follow the clinician’s guidance on gradual wear to shorten the adaptation phase.
If side effects persist beyond a few weeks or if unusual symptoms such as persistent pain, tooth mobility, or bite shifts develop, discontinue use and seek reassessment. Timely adjustments can often resolve problems without stopping therapy entirely. Continuous communication with your dental provider ensures a safer and more comfortable experience.
After delivery, follow-up appointments typically occur at short intervals to fine-tune fit and function, then move to periodic reviews to monitor dental health and appliance wear. Many patients return for reassessment three months after delivery and then at six- to 12-month intervals, though individual schedules may vary based on symptoms and dental findings. Routine dental exams remain important to detect changes in teeth, restorations, or periodontal health that could affect device retention.
Appliances do wear over time and may require refurbishment or replacement when retention decreases or materials degrade. Regular checks also provide an opportunity to re-evaluate sleep symptoms and coordinate any necessary medical follow-up. Proactive maintenance supports long-term effectiveness and preserves oral health.
Getting started begins with a sleep and dental assessment to determine whether a snoring appliance is appropriate for your situation. The process commonly involves a dental evaluation, discussion of sleep symptoms, and, when indicated, a referral for a sleep study to clarify the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Decisions about therapy are made collaboratively between the patient, the dental team, and medical providers when needed.
To learn more or to schedule an evaluation, contact the office of Dr. Anthony Iuvone, DMD for an initial consultation. Our team can explain the diagnostic pathway, outline the fitting and follow-up process, and coordinate care with sleep medicine specialists when appropriate. This coordinated approach helps ensure that treatment choices align with both oral health and overall sleep-breathing needs.
