What Is a Snoring Treatment Device?
Chronic snoring is more than a nuisance. It disrupts the sleep quality of both the person snoring and their partner, and it can be an indicator of underlying airway obstruction. Snoring occurs when the tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep and vibrate as air passes through a narrowed airway. While not all snoring indicates sleep apnea, persistent, loud snoring should be evaluated to rule out more serious conditions. For patients whose snoring is primary (not associated with apnea), a custom snoring treatment device can provide significant relief.
Snoring Treatment Devices: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 2 to 3 |
| Time needed | About 2 weeks to make |
| Anesthesia | None |
| Getting used to it | About a week |
| How long it lasts | A few years |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who a Snoring Device Is For
Snoring happens when relaxed tissue in the throat vibrates as air passes. A device that moves the lower jaw forward opens that space. Because snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a screening comes first.
- Regular snoring that disturbs a partner
- Snoring that is worse on your back or after alcohol
- A screening that shows a low risk of sleep apnea
- Healthy teeth and jaw joints
- A wish for a simple, non-surgical option
Snoring Treatment Devices at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, snoring treatment devices are custom fabricated to fit each patient’s mouth and bite precisely. The device works by advancing the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, which tightens the soft tissues at the back of the throat and opens the airway. This reduces or eliminates the vibration that produces the snoring sound. Because the device is custom made, it is more comfortable, more effective, and better tolerated than generic anti-snoring products available over the counter.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Screening. Questionnaires and an exam assess the risk of sleep apnea.
- Referral, if needed. A sleep study is arranged if the risk is raised.
- Records. A scan and bite record are taken.
- Fitting. The device is fitted and adjusted.
- Review. Comfort and results are checked after a few weeks.
Custom and over-the-counter snoring devices
| Feature | Custom device | Over-the-counter device |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Made from a scan of your teeth | Boil-and-bite |
| Adjustable jaw position | Yes, in small steps | Limited or none |
| Comfort and retention | High | Variable |
| Sleep apnea screening first | Yes | No |
Snoring is a noise, but it can also be a warning. Screening is what tells the two apart.
Wearing and Caring for Your Appliance
Daily routine
The first weeks
- Wear the device every night to adapt
- Expect mild jaw or tooth tenderness in the morning
- Rinse and brush the device after use
Long term
- Keep it dry in its case
- Bring it to check-ups
- Tell us about any change in your sleep or daytime alertness
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- Snoring does not improve
- You become sleepy in the daytime or a partner notices pauses in breathing
- Jaw pain persists
Screening Comes First
Before prescribing a snoring device, the dental team evaluates the patient to determine whether the snoring may be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep screening can help identify patients who should undergo formal sleep testing before treatment. For patients diagnosed with sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is the appropriate dental treatment rather than a simple snoring device. For those whose snoring is confirmed as primary, a snoring device offers a straightforward, effective solution.
Cost and Insurance
Screening is brief and low cost. The main fee in sleep dentistry is for a custom oral appliance and the visits needed to adjust it.
What affects the cost
- The type of appliance
- The number of adjustment visits
- Follow-up sleep testing, arranged through your physician
- Replacement of the appliance every few years
An oral appliance for diagnosed sleep apnea is often billed to medical insurance, not dental insurance. Devices for snoring alone are usually not covered. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
