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Sleep & Airway Dentist
Snoring is a common sleep-related issue that affects many people around the world. It occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep, causing vibrations in the surrounding tissues. These vibrations produce the familiar sound of snoring. While snoring might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can actually be indicative of a more serious underlying issue, such as sleep apnea, and can significantly impact one’s overall health and well-being.
There are several reasons why someone might snore. Factors such as age, anatomy, nasal congestion, obesity, alcohol consumption, and sleep position can all contribute to the development of snoring.
Additionally, sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause frequent and loud snoring. OSA is characterized by the temporary cessation of breathing during sleep due to a blocked airway, leading to poor sleep quality and potential long-term health consequences. If you’re looking to snore less and prevent the symptoms of sleep apnea, check out our Sleep Apnea Service.
If you do not have sleep apnea and looking for a snoring mouthguard, read on. Learn our process of how a snoring mouthgaurd can help you get better rest.
What is the Process?
Your first appointment is a consultation at our office. Dr. Jon Hale will review your medical history and determine whether you are a good candidate for a snore mouthguard.
From there, we can run your medical insurance to see if you have any benefits for our appliance. Depending on your unique circumstance, you may qualify for a medically covered oral appliance.
Once we determine insurance benefits, we will then make an appointment for impressions. We take digital impressions of your mouth using a 3-D scanner. The scan is then sent to our laboratory for fabrication.
A few weeks later, we will fit the appliance and make any adjustments to ensure the device is comfortable. It’s effectiveness will be measured over a few weeks of usage.
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
By working with a dentist with creditentials from the American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) like Dr. Hale, there is peace of mind. The AADSM organization sets high standards of care for patients, and the dentists who are part of it maintain the same level of dedication.
Using a snore guard at night can help eliminate snoring and provide a more restful, rejuvenating sleep. This not only leads to better overall health and well-being but can also improve daytime functioning and reduce the risk of developing other sleep-related health issues. Don’t let snoring disrupt your life any longer—seek the help of an expert like Dr. Jonathan Hale and start enjoying better sleep today.
As of September 2023, Dr. Hale has officially become a Diplomate with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference is a diagnosis. If someone is snoring, but doesn’t meet the criteria for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, they may qualify for a snoring mouthgaurd.
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine sets high standards for their dentists, like Dr. Jon Hale, to ensure that obstructive sleep apnea is ruled out before making a snore guard.
A qualified sleep dentist with the AADSM will use evidence-based research and sleep studies reviewed by Certified Sleep Doctors to make this determination.
Very effective! Many patients who suffer from snoring are able to completely eliminate snoring by using a mouthpiece made by a Certified Sleep Dentist.
There are many differences to the snore gaurds purchased online versus the ones made by a qualified sleep dentist. Many patients find that the one by a dentist is much more comfortable, less bulky, and cost less over the lifetime because there is no need to replace it, ever.
Hale Family Dentistry and Fort Wayne Sleep Solutions have treated breathing-related sleep disorders since 2019. There is not one patient that would go back to using a DIY Snoring Solution or over-the-counter snoring guard compared to the ones that are made by us.