Snoring is a common nighttime disturbance that affects millions of households. It happens when air moving through the upper airway causes relaxed soft tissues — like the soft palate or the back of the tongue — to vibrate during sleep. For many people, occasional snoring is a benign annoyance; for others it can be a chronic problem that disrupts sleep quality for both the person who snores and their bed partner.
While not all snoring indicates a serious health condition, persistent loud or irregular snoring can be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing. Determining whether snoring is an isolated issue or part of a broader pattern that requires medical attention is an important first step. The team at Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC works with patients to evaluate snoring and discuss safe, evidence-based options, including custom oral appliances for appropriate candidates.
Snoring results from partial airway obstruction during sleep. When throat and tongue muscles relax, the space that normally allows smooth airflow narrows. As air is forced through that smaller opening, surrounding tissues vibrate and produce the sound we recognize as snoring. The particular tone and volume of snoring vary according to the anatomy of each person’s airway.
Several lifestyle and physical factors can increase the likelihood of snoring. These include sleeping on the back, alcohol or sedative use before bedtime, nasal congestion, being overweight, and certain anatomical features such as a long soft palate, enlarged tonsils, or a large tongue. Age and poor sleep habits that lead to sleep deprivation may also contribute by reducing muscle tone during sleep.
Because multiple factors can interact, addressing snoring effectively often requires a comprehensive look at sleep position, habits, nasal health, and oral anatomy. A careful evaluation helps identify which elements are most relevant and which interventions are likely to help.
Not all snoring equals sleep apnea, but loud, frequent snoring accompanied by gasping, choking, witnessed pauses in breathing, or excessive daytime sleepiness warrants closer attention. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves repeated partial or complete collapses of the airway during sleep, which can cause drops in blood oxygen and frequent brief awakenings that fragment restorative sleep.
If an evaluation suggests possible OSA, clinical guidelines typically recommend a formal sleep assessment. That may include a home sleep test or an in-lab polysomnography ordered by a physician or sleep specialist. Dental providers experienced in sleep-related breathing disorders will work with medical partners to determine whether an oral appliance is an appropriate option or whether other therapies are preferred.
For many patients who have milder forms of sleep-disordered breathing or who cannot tolerate CPAP, a dental appliance can be an effective and well-tolerated alternative under the guidance of both dental and medical clinicians.
Custom oral appliances are removable devices worn during sleep that gently change the position of the lower jaw, tongue, or soft tissues to improve airway patency. Unlike over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” devices, professionally made appliances are tailored to your mouth through impressions or digital scans, ensuring a precise fit that balances comfort and effectiveness.
The most common design, a mandibular advancement device, slightly advances the lower jaw to increase space behind the tongue and reduce tissue vibration. By opening the airway and stabilizing soft tissues, these appliances can significantly decrease the intensity and frequency of snoring for many users.
Because each appliance is custom-fit, adjustments and follow-up are part of the process. Fine-tuning helps maximize comfort and efficacy while monitoring for potential side effects such as jaw soreness or changes in tooth alignment. Close follow-up with your dental provider is essential to maintain the right fit over time.
Beginning treatment with an oral appliance typically starts with a thorough dental and sleep health evaluation. Your clinician will review your sleep history, ask about symptoms and daytime functioning, and perform an oral exam to assess jaw mobility, bite, and the anatomy of the airway. If sleep apnea is suspected, coordination with a sleep physician for testing or diagnosis may be recommended.
Once an oral appliance is recommended, the device is fabricated using impressions or digital scans of the teeth. The custom appliance is then adjusted at fitting appointments to ensure proper alignment, comfort, and retention. Patients are instructed on nightly wear, cleaning, and storage to protect both the appliance and oral health.
Follow-up visits are important during the first weeks to address discomfort and evaluate effectiveness. Periodic rechecks thereafter confirm that the appliance continues to fit well and that the patient is experiencing improved sleep quality. If symptoms persist or change, your clinician will reassess the treatment plan and collaborate with medical colleagues as needed.
Oral appliances are discreet, portable, and non-invasive—qualities that many patients appreciate. They can reduce snoring volume, improve sleep continuity for partners, and in appropriate cases, lessen the severity of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Many people find them easier to tolerate than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, particularly when CPAP is not tolerated or when apnea is not severe.
However, these devices are not a universal solution. People with severe OSA, significant dental problems, or limited jaw movement may not be good candidates. Potential side effects include temporary jaw discomfort, excessive salivation or dry mouth, and, with long-term use, minor changes in tooth position or bite. These risks are minimized through professional oversight, careful design, and regular monitoring.
Deciding whether a snoring appliance is right for you means weighing benefits against limitations with a knowledgeable provider. When used appropriately and followed with periodic reassessment, oral appliances can be an effective part of a patient-centered approach to improving sleep and reducing disruptive snoring.
To learn more about snoring appliances and whether they may be a fit for your needs, please contact the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC for additional information and to schedule an evaluation. Our team can help you understand options and coordinate any necessary medical referrals.
Snoring appliances are removable oral devices worn during sleep that help reduce airway vibration by changing the position of the jaw or tongue. These devices are custom-made from impressions or digital scans to fit an individual patient and to balance comfort with effectiveness. By improving upper airway patency, an appliance can lower the intensity and frequency of snoring for many users.
The most common design is a mandibular advancement device that gently advances the lower jaw to increase space behind the tongue and stabilize soft tissues. Custom appliances differ from over-the-counter ‘‘boil-and-bite’’ products in fit, durability, and the ability to be adjusted by a clinician. Follow-up care is important to fine-tune the device and to monitor oral health while wearing it regularly.
Good candidates often include people whose primary problem is habitual snoring or those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who either cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer an alternative treatment. Candidates should have sufficient teeth and healthy periodontal support to retain the device, adequate jaw range of motion, and no uncontrolled dental or temporomandibular joint conditions. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether an oral appliance is likely to be effective for an individual.
People with severe sleep apnea, significant dental disease, or very limited jaw movement may not be suitable candidates and will usually be referred for medical evaluation. The decision is made collaboratively between dental and medical providers so that the chosen therapy matches both airway needs and oral health considerations. Periodic reassessment ensures the appliance remains appropriate as health or anatomy changes over time.
The evaluation begins with a comprehensive sleep and dental history, an intraoral exam to assess bite, jaw movement, and oral health, and a review of symptoms such as witnessed pauses, gasping, or daytime sleepiness. If sleep-disordered breathing is suspected, coordination with a sleep physician for a home sleep test or in-lab study may be recommended prior to appliance therapy. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that oral appliance therapy is considered only when it fits the patient’s overall respiratory and medical picture.
If an appliance is recommended, impressions or digital scans are taken and the custom device is fabricated to match the patient’s bite. At the fitting visit the appliance is adjusted for comfort, retention, and optimal jaw advancement, and patients receive instructions for nightly use and care. Early follow-up visits focus on fine-tuning the fit and addressing any soreness or side effects to maximize comfort and therapeutic benefit at the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the preferred treatment for many cases of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea because it consistently splints the airway open during sleep. Oral appliances are typically recommended as an alternative for primary snoring and for patients with mild to moderate OSA or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. The two therapies work by different mechanisms and are chosen based on severity of disease, patient preference, and clinical judgment.
Patients often find appliances more portable and easier to integrate into nightly routines, which can support adherence for some users. However, CPAP tends to be more effective at reducing apneas in severe cases, so collaboration between dental and medical teams is important to track outcomes and switch or combine treatments if needed. Regular monitoring and follow-up testing help determine whether an appliance is achieving the desired clinical goals.
Benefits of a custom snoring appliance include reduced snoring loudness, improved sleep continuity for the bed partner, and a noninvasive, portable treatment option that many patients tolerate well. Appliances can also improve sleep-related symptoms in appropriately selected patients with mild to moderate sleep-disordered breathing. Because they are removable, patients can maintain routine oral hygiene more easily than with some other devices.
Limitations include variable effectiveness depending on the anatomy and severity of airway obstruction, and certain oral health constraints that may prevent use. Potential side effects such as temporary jaw discomfort or dental changes can occur, which is why professional fitting and ongoing adjustments are important. For patients with severe OSA, CPAP or other medical interventions are often preferred due to their stronger evidence for reducing apneas and related health risks.
Common early side effects include jaw or muscle soreness, increased salivation, or mild tooth discomfort as the mouth adapts to the device. These symptoms often improve after a short adjustment period and can be managed through incremental changes to the device, a brief wear-in schedule, or adjunctive measures such as warm compresses and gentle jaw exercises. If symptoms persist, the clinician can modify the device or recommend temporary changes to wearing time.
Long-term use has been associated in some patients with small shifts in tooth position or bite, so periodic dental monitoring is important to detect and address changes early. Good communication with your dental provider allows for timely adjustments that reduce the risk of lasting effects. If significant temporomandibular joint pain or dental problems develop, alternative therapies or referrals may be considered.
With proper care, many custom oral appliances remain functional for several years, though individual lifespan varies based on material, usage, and oral environment. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the device daily with a soft brush and nonabrasive cleanser, rinsing after use, and storing it in a ventilated case to protect it when not worn. Avoiding hot water or harsh chemicals preserves material integrity and fit.
Routine follow-up visits allow the clinician to check retention, wear patterns, and any changes in the fit that could affect effectiveness. If the appliance becomes loose, damaged, or causes new symptoms, it should be evaluated promptly to determine whether repair, adjustment, or replacement is needed. Proper maintenance and periodic professional checks help extend serviceable life and maintain therapeutic benefit.
Snoring appliances can be an effective treatment option for some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. For medically diagnosed OSA, appliances are typically prescribed and monitored in collaboration with a sleep physician to ensure that objective measures of breathing and oxygenation improve with treatment. Post-fitting testing or periodic sleep studies may be used to verify that the appliance is reducing apneas and improving sleep quality.
In cases of severe OSA, CPAP or other medical interventions are generally recommended because they provide more consistent airway support for higher degrees of obstruction. An oral appliance can still be considered in select situations as part of a combined or stepped-care approach, but such decisions should follow shared clinical evaluation and ongoing outcome monitoring. Safety and effectiveness are maximized when dental and medical teams coordinate care.
Prepare by compiling relevant medical and sleep information such as a summary of symptoms, any previous sleep testing results, a list of current medications, and notes from a bed partner about snoring or witnessed pauses. Bring recent dental records if available and be ready to discuss dental history, restorative work, and any jaw or TMJ concerns. This information helps the clinician understand both airway and oral health aspects that affect candidacy and device design.
Try to maintain your typical sleep habits in the days leading up to the evaluation so that reported symptoms reflect your usual pattern. During your appointment the clinician will perform an oral exam, assess jaw motion, and explain the fabrication and follow-up process so you know what to expect. When you visit Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, the team can also explain how coordination with a sleep physician may be managed if additional testing or medical input is needed.
You should seek prompt reassessment if you experience worsening daytime sleepiness, new or worsening choking or gasping at night, or if a bed partner observes ongoing or worsening pauses in breathing. Any increase in symptoms suggests the appliance may not be controlling airway events adequately and warrants medical reassessment. In such cases your dental provider will coordinate with a sleep specialist to arrange appropriate testing and follow-up.
Even without new symptoms, periodic reassessment is advisable because dental health, bite relationships, and sleep patterns can change over time. Many clinicians recommend routine checkups at least annually or sooner if oral changes are noted, so that the device can be adjusted or replaced as needed. Ongoing collaboration between dental and medical providers helps ensure long-term safety and effectiveness of the treatment plan.
