Oral Appliances for Snoring St. Louis
Kirkwood Family Dental provides custom oral appliances for snoring that help patients and their partners sleep better. Snoring disrupts sleep quality and can indicate underlying health concerns. Our custom-fitted oral appliances reposition your jaw to keep airways open throughout the night, reducing or eliminating snoring.
How Oral Appliances Stop Snoring
Snoring occurs when throat tissues partially block your airway during sleep. Oral appliances work by gently repositioning your lower jaw forward, which keeps your airway open and prevents tissue collapse. Some designs also stabilize the tongue to maintain clear breathing passages. The custom fit ensures the appliance holds your jaw in the optimal position throughout the night. Unlike CPAP machines that use forced air, oral appliances are passive devices that work with your natural anatomy. Most patients notice immediate improvement in snoring and sleep quality.
Benefits of Oral Appliances for Snoring
Custom oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear once you adjust to them. No electricity, noise, or bulky equipment is required. The compact design makes them ideal for travel, and your partner benefits from quieter, uninterrupted sleep. Many patients experience improved energy levels and daytime alertness. Our oral appliances are custom-fitted to your mouth for maximum effectiveness and comfort. Maintenance is simple with regular cleaning and occasional adjustments.
Are You a Candidate for an Oral Appliance?
Oral appliances work best for patients with primary snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Your jaw structure and dental health must be suitable for appliance use. Patients with severe sleep apnea may require CPAP therapy or combination treatment to fully eliminate snoring. We evaluate your specific situation, including sleep patterns, medical history, and anatomical factors.
What to Expect - Getting Your Custom Appliance
Your initial consultation includes a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, jaw alignment, and airway anatomy. We discuss your snoring patterns, sleep quality, and any symptoms of sleep apnea. Digital impressions create a precise model of your mouth for custom appliance fabrication. Once your appliance is ready, we ensure proper fit and teach you how to insert, remove, and care for it. Initial adjustment appointments fine-tune the appliance position for optimal effectiveness. Most patients adapt within a few nights. Regular follow-up visits monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Oral Appliances for Snoring: FAQs
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Most patients experience significant reduction or elimination of snoring. Effectiveness depends on the cause and severity of your snoring. Custom-fitted appliances have the highest success rates. We monitor your response and make adjustments to optimize results.
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Medical insurance often covers oral appliances when prescribed for sleep apnea. Dental insurance may provide partial coverage. A sleep study diagnosis typically helps with insurance approval. We verify benefits and help you understand coverage before treatment begins.
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Most patients adjust within 3-7 nights. Initial jaw soreness or excess salivation typically resolves quickly. We schedule follow-up appointments to ensure comfort and make necessary adjustments. The custom fit minimizes the adjustment period.
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Most patients with dental work can use oral appliances. We evaluate your teeth, restorations, and overall oral health during consultation. Certain conditions may require treatment before fitting an appliance. We ensure your dental work is stable and compatible with appliance use.
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A sleep study helps determine if you have sleep apnea and its severity. Many insurance companies require sleep study documentation for coverage approval. Some patients with primary snoring may proceed without a formal study.
Ready to Sleep Better and Stop Snoring?
Contact Kirkwood Family Dental to schedule your consultation and discover if an oral appliance is right for you.