Snoring Treatment in Centennial CO

After many glorious years of marriage, my wife started making some serious accusations against me. It went like this, "You snore." Of course, I didn't believe her, but when she started leaving in the middle of the night to sleep in an upstairs bedroom, I knew she was serious!

Many people who snore are unaware they are doing it, but that doesn't keep others from noticing. Snoring may not be severe, but it is often associated with poor sleep patterns and interrupted sleep. For example, you wake up more than once or twice a night and use the restroom or spend a moderate amount of time talking yourself out of the bathroom. If that were the worst of it, we would be ok, but you also may be experiencing sleep apnea which can be serious, and not know it.

I finally started pursuing a remedy for snoring and participated in a home sleep study. My study was submitted for evaluation by a Board-Certified Medical Sleep Doctor, and I received the diagnosis of moderate sleep apnea.

To make a long story short, after exploring my options, I determined to wear an intraoral sleep device, and since the first night I wore it back in February 2022, I have not missed a night! Also, my wife says I don't snore anymore! I feel like the greatest benefit to me (sorry, Dear) is I sleep better! I now find myself only waking up once or twice a night, and I can tell a noticeable difference in how I feel, and it is much better.

Snoring is more common in men than women—just ask any one of the wives who have banished their husbands from the bedroom—and may be caused by a variety of factors. At its core, the noise associated with snoring is caused by vibrations of the soft palate. Here are some of the most common issues that can lead to obstruction of the nasal airway and snoring.

1. Excess weight
2. Anatomy of the nose and mouth (snoring can occur when soft tissue relaxes at night)
3. Colds and other upper respiratory ailments
4. Alcohol consumption 
5. Allergies / Sinus Issue



Snoring may indicate the presence of a sleep disorder and has been linked to serious health issues, including high blood pressure and heart attacks. It is important to see a professional if you have an issue with snoring. An occasional night of snoring is no reason for concern, but if you snore every night, it may indicate the need for treatment.

A snore guard, also known as a mandibular advancement device, works by gently adjusting your lower jaw to a more forward position. This position opens your airway and allows for the free passage of air when you breathe.

Choosing a snore guard to treat snoring has significant benefits, including:

• You'll get better sleep (and so will your loved ones!)
• Snore guards are inexpensive when compared with other treatments.
• Snore guards are travel friendly and lightweight.
• Snore guards make no noise and will not disturb the sleep of your partner or spouse.
• Snore guards are easy to clean and maintain.

These benefits point to why we recommend a snore guard as a potential treatment to address snoring.

In May, I had some new crowns placed, and because of that, my snore guard no longer fit. I took new impressions as soon as I could and sent them to the dental laboratory for a new snore guard. In the meantime, I slept as usual, and my wife was soon in the upstairs bedroom again. So, I decided to buy a couple of over-the-counter snore guards to see if they would work. Being a dentist and all, I knew how they were supposed to be fitted, but after several attempts, I realized that I could not make them fit well enough to hold my lower jaw in the position required to keep me from snoring. My wife stayed upstairs.

The most important thing I recognized during all of this is that after about five days of not having my appliance, I was exhausted. I couldn't figure out why because I was going to bed at the usual times, but I was just worn out. Then, I realized my snore guard really does help me get a better night of sleep! So, in case you were wondering, I'm a big fan. 

If you are interested in discussing whether or not you should sleep with an intraoral device to help with your snoring, please let us know. We can provide you with a home sleep study instrument and then submit your results to a Medical Sleep Doctor for your diagnosis. We then review the doctor's recommendations and discuss your options with you to help you decide what you would like to do. 

We have several patients who have had similar results to mine and are happy they have found this method for reducing their snoring and helping them sleep better. Do you need help getting your snoring under control? Call our Centennial dental office to see if you're a candidate for a snore guard. We can help you too!