Dentistry: David E. Barnes, D.D.S.

A: Yes. Snoring occurs when the muscles and soft tissues in your throat and mouth relax, and the jaw and tongue drop back and decrease the airway opening. In severe cases the individual suffers from "obstructive sleep apnea." Your dentist can fabricate a small oral appliance similar to an athletic mouthpiece. If properly adjusted the appliance is very comfortable and will reposition the jaw so the patient will maintain an open airway preventing snoring and the sleep apnea. Our patients with the fabricated appliance claim they sleep better and no longer snore.