Better Sleep Support
Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Comfort-focused options that can reduce snoring and support healthier nighttime breathing.
Snoring can disrupt sleep for you and your partner, and it may signal that your airway is struggling at night. Sleep apnea goes beyond noise—it involves repeated breathing interruptions that can impact overall health. At Androscoggin Valley Dental, we evaluate symptoms carefully and offer dental-based solutions that may improve comfort and sleep quality.
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Sleep Apnea & Snoring Care at Androscoggin Valley Dental
Snoring and sleep apnea are often related to how the airway behaves during sleep. We focus on identifying patterns that may be affecting breathing and recommending practical, conservative options—often including a custom oral appliance—to support quieter nights and more restorative sleep.
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea: What’s The Difference?
Snoring occurs when airflow causes soft tissues in the throat to vibrate. Sleep apnea involves repeated airway blockage that disrupts oxygen levels and sleep, even if you don’t fully wake up. Ongoing fatigue, morning headaches, or witnessed breathing pauses are signs worth evaluating.
- Quieter nights Helps reduce snoring by improving airway support during sleep.
- More rested mornings Improved breathing can support deeper, more refreshing sleep cycles.
- Comfortable, travel-friendly therapy Oral appliances are compact and easy to use away from home.
- Protects teeth from grinding effects Disrupted sleep can increase clenching or grinding, leading to tooth wear.
How Dental Treatment Can Help
For appropriate candidates, a custom oral appliance can gently reposition the jaw and tongue to help keep the airway more open during sleep. Care is coordinated with your physician when needed, and fit and comfort are monitored to support consistent use and long-term stability.
- Symptom review and airway-focused screening
- Custom oral appliance options for qualified patients
- Bite and comfort checks to support nightly use
- Ongoing monitoring to maintain effectiveness
Who May Be A Candidate?
You may benefit if you snore regularly, wake feeling unrefreshed, grind your teeth, or have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and want an alternative to CPAP. An evaluation helps determine whether oral appliance therapy is an appropriate next step.
Sleep Apnea & Snoring FAQ
- Is snoring always linked to sleep apnea?
- No. Snoring can be harmless, but it may also indicate airway blockage. Daytime fatigue or witnessed breathing pauses should be evaluated.
- What are common signs of sleep apnea?
- Symptoms may include loud snoring, morning headaches, dry mouth on waking, daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, or breathing pauses noticed by a partner.
- How does an oral appliance work?
- A custom oral appliance helps keep the airway open by gently positioning the lower jaw and tongue forward during sleep.
- Is an oral appliance more comfortable than CPAP?
- Many people find oral appliances easier to tolerate because they are small and mask-free. Suitability depends on diagnosis and severity.
- Will a sleep study be needed?
- Often, yes. A sleep study helps confirm the presence and severity of sleep apnea and guides appropriate treatment.
- Can oral appliances reduce snoring?
- They can reduce or eliminate snoring for many patients, especially when airway positioning is the main cause.
- Are there side effects?
- Temporary jaw or tooth soreness can occur during adjustment. Fit and bite are monitored to minimize long-term issues.
- How long does treatment take?
- The process includes evaluation, custom fabrication, and follow-up visits to optimize comfort and effectiveness.
- Do lifestyle changes help?
- Yes. Side-sleeping, avoiding alcohol before bed, managing nasal congestion, and healthy weight management can all help.
- What’s the first step?
- An evaluation allows us to review symptoms and determine whether oral appliance therapy may be beneficial.
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Fri–Sun: Closed
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