Snoring is a very common condition that not only can be embarrassing, but also causes issues with your sleep. You can end up snoring from a number of issues that lead to airflow problems. Luckily, oral appliance therapy can help you finally stop snoring so you — and your partner — get a good night’s rest.

At The Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center in Seattle, Washington, Dr. Katharine Christian and her team offer many treatment options when you can’t kick snoring. Dr. Christian is a sleep medicine specialist who offers compassionate care and modern technology to help you sleep better. Here’s how oral appliance therapy can treat your snoring.

Why Do You Snore?

The main cause of snoring is air moving through your nose, mouth, and throat that hits soft tissues in your airway. The air hitting these tissues causes them to vibrate, which makes the snoring sound you’re likely familiar with.

The soft tissues in your mouth that make this sound include your tongue, tissues in the back of your mouth, and your uvula. However, any tissues in or around your mouth can lead to snoring.

There are a number of different reasons that you end up snoring. If you’re overweight, your soft tissues are more pronounced from excess fat. This blocks your airflow, leading to snoring. Other common reasons behind snoring include:

• Drinking alcohol close to bedtime
• Severe colds or being sick
• Seasonal allergies
• A smaller-than-normal airway
• Nasal polyps or congestion

In many cases, snoring is harmless and just an annoyance to your partner. However, in some cases, it could be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a much bigger problem.

Understanding Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is just one of the ways you can manage your snoring. These appliances are easy to use, and they keep your airway open to allow you to breathe without snoring.

These appliances are a great way to improve snoring without having to use a bulky CPAP machine or undergo surgery. There are different forms of oral appliances, with the two main forms being:

Mandibular Repositioning Appliances

These are the most commonly used type of oral appliance and are very effective in treating snoring. They fit in your mouth like a mouthguard and work by positioning your jaw forward to keep your airway open when you’re sleeping.

Tongue Retaining Appliances

If your snoring is caused by your tongue, Dr. Christian recommends this device to help you stop snoring. This also fits in your mouth like a mouthguard or retainer, and keeps your tongue from falling back into your airway.

Both types of appliances are extremely effective when you use them every night. They’re very easy to use and shouldn’t disrupt your sleep in any way.

Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy

There are a number of benefits to oral appliance therapy when it comes to treating snoring. For instance, they’re extremely convenient and easy to use. You can take them anywhere, too, so you have snoring relief on vacation or a business trip.

Oral appliances are also relatively comfortable to wear. In the beginning, they take some getting used to if you’re not accustomed to wearing a retainer or night guard. However, as you get used to the appliance, it becomes more comfortable and easier to wear.

They’re also simple to take care of. They don’t require any maintenance, other than keeping them clean. Washing them after use gets rid of any bacteria that can grow on them while you’re sleeping.

If you need help with your constant snoring problem, call our office at (206) 770-0260 or request an appointment using our online booking tool. We also offer telehealth consultations.