General & Cosmetic Dentistry
The office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD serves the neighborhoods of Huntersville, Lake Norman, Davidson and Cornelius.
Snoring is the sound made when tissue in the upper airway vibrates as air moves past it during sleep. Nearly everyone snores occasionally, but for some people the noise is regular and disruptive — both for the sleeper and anyone sharing the same bedroom. Persistent snoring can affect daytime energy, relationships, and overall quality of life, so understanding the cause is the first step toward quieter, healthier nights.
Estimates suggest as many as 90 million people in the United States snore to some degree. While many are “primary” snorers who do not have a medical breathing disorder, loud or frequent snoring can also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that reduces airflow to the lungs during sleep and can have broader health implications. Distinguishing between simple snoring and sleep-disordered breathing is essential to choosing the right treatment.
The following list highlights common contributors to snoring — anatomical and lifestyle factors that can narrow the airway or promote vibration of soft tissues:
At bedtime, the muscles that normally help keep the airway open relax. If the airway is already narrowed — by anatomy, congestion, or tissue bulk — the airflow that passes through becomes turbulent. That turbulence causes surrounding soft tissue to vibrate and produce sound. The pitch and intensity of snoring depend on which structures vibrate and how much airflow is interrupted.
Occasional snoring often follows predictable triggers such as alcohol, a late meal, or a night of poor sleep. Chronic snoring tends to have an underlying anatomical or physiological cause and may be louder or accompanied by gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing. Those additional signs can indicate a need for further medical evaluation for sleep apnea.
Because the physical process is mechanical, many effective treatments aim to open the airway or stabilize the tissues so they vibrate less. Options range from positional therapy and nasal pads to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and custom oral appliances. Choosing the right approach depends on whether snoring occurs alone or with a more serious sleep-disordered breathing problem.
Small variations in anatomy can make a big difference at night. A deviated septum or swollen nasal turbinates reduce nasal airflow and force more breathing through the mouth, which increases the likelihood of throat tissue vibration. Similarly, excess tissue in the throat — often related to weight or genetic factors — occupies space that the airway needs to stay open during sleep.
Lifestyle choices also play a role. Alcohol and certain medications relax throat muscles and increase snoring frequency. Sleep position matters, too: when people sleep on their backs, gravity tends to pull the tongue and soft palate toward the airway. Improving sleep hygiene and avoiding evening alcohol can reduce snoring for many patients, but structural contributors often require a mechanical solution.
It’s important for patients to track patterns: Does snoring worsen after drinking? Is it worse when congested? Do partners notice breathing pauses? This information helps clinicians determine whether a dental appliance, positional therapy, or referral for a sleep study is the appropriate next step.
A custom-fitted oral appliance is a simple, non-surgical device worn at night that gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue to increase the space behind the throat. By advancing the lower jaw a small, controlled amount, these appliances reduce tissue collapse and the vibration that causes snoring. They are particularly effective for patients whose snoring is primarily due to jaw or tongue position rather than severe airway obstruction.
Unlike a one-size-fits-all mouthguard, a professionally made appliance is crafted from impressions of your teeth and adjusted to fit comfortably. The design keeps the device stable through the night while allowing for normal swallowing and speech when briefly awake. Many patients find the appliance easier to tolerate than bulky CPAP masks, especially when the problem is isolated snoring or mild sleep-disordered breathing.
Oral appliances are removable, reversible, and require no surgery. They are routinely used as a first-line option for appropriate candidates and can be combined with other measures — like positional changes or nasal treatments — to enhance effectiveness. Regular follow-up ensures the device remains comfortable and effective over time.
A thorough evaluation begins with a medical and sleep history, along with an oral exam to check teeth, jaw alignment, and TMJ function. Because loud snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, the clinician will look for red flags — daytime sleepiness, witnessed breathing pauses, or other risk factors — and may refer for a sleep study if needed. Determining whether snoring is isolated or part of a broader sleep disorder is a crucial step.
If a custom appliance is appropriate, impressions of the teeth are taken and a device is fabricated to the precise shape of the bite. Once the appliance is ready, the dentist will fit it in the office, explain how to insert and remove it, and show how to care for it. An initial adjustment period is normal; patients typically return for one or more checkups to fine-tune the fit and jaw advancement for optimal comfort and results.
During follow-up visits the provider will check for signs of tooth movement, jaw soreness, or other oral changes. Long-term monitoring helps preserve oral health while maintaining the device’s effectiveness. Because dental appliances change the position of the jaw at night, routine dental exams are recommended to watch for gradual bite changes and manage them proactively.
Adaptation takes time for many people. Mild jaw discomfort, increased salivation, or temporary tooth sensitivity are common in the first days or weeks, and most symptoms diminish as the body adjusts. Patients are encouraged to wear the appliance nightly and to communicate any ongoing pain or sleep disturbances so adjustments can be made.
Daily cleaning with a soft toothbrush and the care regimen recommended by the dentist will prolong the appliance’s life and limit bacterial buildup. Storing the device in its case between uses protects it from damage. Periodic professional cleanings and inspections help detect wear and maintain fit.
Oral appliances can significantly reduce snoring and improve sleep quality for many patients, but they are not a universal cure. Patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea often need additional therapies. Regular follow-up with your dental provider—and medical consultation when sleep apnea is suspected—ensures the chosen approach remains appropriate and safe.
At the office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD, we take a measured, patient-centered approach to snoring care: assessing the cause, explaining options in plain language, and fitting appliances precisely when they are the right solution. If you or a loved one struggles with disruptive snoring, please contact us to learn more about oral appliance therapy and whether it may be a good fit for your situation.
A snoring appliance is a custom-made oral device designed to be worn during sleep to reduce or eliminate snoring. These devices work by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to increase airway space and limit soft-tissue vibration. They are made from impressions of your teeth so the fit is tailored and stable throughout the night. Because they are removable and noninvasive, many patients find them a convenient alternative to other treatments.
Snoring appliances are often recommended for people whose primary issue is simple snoring or mild sleep-disordered breathing rather than severe obstructive sleep apnea. They are different from over-the-counter mouthguards because a custom appliance is adjusted for comfort, retention, and effectiveness. A clinician evaluates dental health and bite before recommending an appliance to ensure it is a safe option. Regular monitoring helps maintain both airway benefit and oral health over time.
Custom oral appliances reduce snoring by altering the position of the jaw and tongue to prevent airway collapse and tissue vibration. By advancing the lower jaw slightly forward, the device increases the space behind the tongue and stabilizes soft tissues that otherwise flutter during breathing. This mechanical change reduces airflow turbulence and the characteristic sounds of snoring. The goal is to restore smoother airflow without obstructing nasal passages or causing excessive strain on the jaw.
Because the appliance is made to match the patient’s bite, it provides consistent support and limits unwanted movement that can worsen snoring. The design also allows for normal swallowing and brief speech when awake, which improves tolerability. Effectiveness depends on the underlying cause of snoring, so appliances work best when jaw or tongue position is the primary factor. For some patients, combining the appliance with positional strategies or nasal treatments enhances the result.
Good candidates for a snoring appliance are adults whose snoring is primarily related to jaw or tongue position and who do not have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Candidates should have a stable dental situation with enough healthy teeth to retain the device and no unmanaged severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. A comprehensive medical and sleep history helps identify red flags such as daytime sleepiness, witnessed breathing pauses, or other signs that require further medical evaluation.
The clinician will also assess oral health, bite alignment, and jaw function during the exam to determine suitability. Patients with mild sleep-disordered breathing often benefit most, while those with more serious airway obstruction may need a sleep study or alternative therapies. Age, dental restorations, and overall health are considered when deciding on an appliance. Shared decision-making ensures the chosen approach aligns with the patient’s needs and safety.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and oral appliances address snoring and sleep-related breathing issues in different ways and are appropriate for different severities of disease. CPAP delivers pressurized air to keep the airway open and remains the gold standard for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, while oral appliances mechanically reposition the jaw to prevent tissue collapse and are often effective for primary snoring and mild sleep-disordered breathing. Comfort, convenience, and patient preference play a role in selecting a therapy, but clinical severity and safety drive the recommendation.
Oral appliances are portable, quieter, and less invasive than CPAP, which can improve adherence for some patients. However, CPAP typically provides more consistent airway control for severe cases and can reduce long-term health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea. A formal sleep evaluation helps determine which therapy will provide the safest and most effective outcome. In some situations, combinations of therapies or referrals to sleep medicine specialists are appropriate to optimize care.
An evaluation begins with a detailed medical and sleep history, including questions about daytime sleepiness, witnessed apneas, and common snoring triggers. The dental exam assesses teeth, bite alignment, periodontal health, and TMJ function to confirm the mouth is a suitable environment for a night guard–style device. When clinical concerns suggest possible sleep apnea, the clinician may refer the patient for a sleep study or coordinate care with a sleep physician before proceeding.
If a custom appliance is appropriate, impressions or digital scans of the teeth are taken and used to fabricate a device that matches the bite precisely. The patient returns for fitting, during which the appliance is adjusted for comfort and correct jaw advancement. The clinician will review insertion, removal, nightly wear patterns, and care instructions, and schedule follow-up visits to refine fit and monitor results. Long-term monitoring helps catch any tooth movement or jaw changes early and keeps the device effective.
Snoring appliances are generally well tolerated, but some patients experience short-term side effects such as mild jaw soreness, increased salivation, or temporary tooth sensitivity during the initial adaptation period. These symptoms often lessen within days to weeks as muscles and tissues adapt to the new jaw position. Persistent pain, worsening TMJ symptoms, or noticeable tooth movement should prompt a prompt return visit so adjustments can be made.
Long-term considerations include gradual bite changes or altered tooth contacts in a small number of patients, which is why regular dental follow-up is important. Monitoring allows the clinician to detect and manage dental or jaw issues early, minimizing long-term consequences. For patients with significant TMJ disease, uncontrolled periodontal disease, or very loose teeth, alternative therapies may be safer and more appropriate than a mandibular advancement device.
Daily cleaning of a snoring appliance helps prevent bacterial buildup and preserves the device’s condition, and it also protects oral health. Rinse the appliance with water after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush using mild, nonabrasive soap or toothpaste as recommended by your clinician. Avoid hot water, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaners that can warp or damage the material.
Store the appliance in its protective case when not in use to prevent distortion and contamination, and bring it to dental visits for professional inspection and cleaning as advised. Periodic professional evaluation ensures fit remains correct and allows the clinician to recommend repairs or replacement when wear affects effectiveness. Proper care extends the appliance’s useful life and supports consistent treatment benefits.
Many patients notice a reduction in snoring within a few nights to a few weeks after starting to wear a properly fitted appliance, but response time varies based on the cause of snoring and individual anatomy. Initial improvements may be gradual as the body adapts to the new jaw position, and consistent nightly use is important to assess true effectiveness. Keeping a sleep diary or asking a partner to monitor changes can provide useful feedback during the adjustment period.
If expected improvements do not occur after a trial period, the device may require adjustment or a different treatment approach might be needed. The clinician can modify jaw advancement, fit, or retention to improve results, or refer for further sleep evaluation if signs of sleep apnea persist. Ongoing communication helps identify the most effective and safe strategy for each patient.
Because oral appliances alter jaw position while worn nightly, there is a potential for gradual changes in tooth position or bite over long-term use, especially without regular monitoring. Small shifts are relatively uncommon but possible, so clinicians schedule periodic examinations to evaluate and address any dental changes early. Patients with preexisting dental instability or advanced periodontal disease may be at higher risk and require careful consideration before starting therapy.
Some people experience temporary jaw discomfort or muscle fatigue during the early weeks of use, while persistent TMJ pain is less common but should be evaluated promptly. If jaw symptoms arise, the appliance can be adjusted or discontinued to protect joint health, and alternatives can be explored. Collaborative care that tracks dental status and TMJ function helps ensure the benefits of snoring reduction do not come at the expense of oral health.
After the initial fitting and adjustment visits, clinicians typically schedule a follow-up within the first few months and then at regular intervals to check fit, comfort, and treatment effectiveness. These visits allow the provider to inspect the appliance for wear, assess any tooth or bite changes, and make minor adjustments to jaw advancement as needed. Ongoing follow-up helps maintain both airway benefit and oral health while addressing any developing issues promptly.
If you receive an appliance from the office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD, the team will recommend a personalized follow-up schedule based on your response and oral health status. Replacement or professional repairs may be necessary when wear compromises retention or effectiveness, and the clinician will guide timing to preserve consistent results. Clear communication and adherence to scheduled reviews maximize safety and long-term success.
The office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD serves the neighborhoods of Huntersville, Lake Norman, Davidson and Cornelius.