Choosing Oral Appliances for Snoring Relief

Choosing the Right Oral Appliance for Snoring

July 30, 2025

Snoring can do more than keep your partner up at night. It can disrupt your own sleep, drain your energy, and even make mornings feel harder than they should be. For some people, snoring is a sign of sleep-related issues like obstructive sleep apnea, and finding a solution becomes more than just a convenience, it’s a step toward better health.

One common and non-invasive way to manage snoring is by using an oral appliance. These devices help keep your airway open while you sleep by gently adjusting the position of your jaw or tongue. If you're looking into finding the right fix that doesn't involve machines or noise, learning about oral appliances for snoring is a good place to start.

Understanding Different Types Of Oral Appliances

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to snoring. That’s why different types of oral appliances are available. Each one works a bit differently, and what helps one person sleep quietly might not be right for someone else.

Here are a few of the most common options people try:

1. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These are the most widely used type. They move the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open. You might feel a little pressure at first, but many people adjust after a few nights.

2. Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs): These hold the tongue in a forward position so it doesn’t collapse back and block the airway. They work well for people who can’t use MADs because of jaw pain or dental work.

3. Hybrid Appliances: These are custom-made options that combine features from both MADs and TRDs. While they're more advanced, they also tend to be easier on the jaw and may provide better comfort.

Some of these appliances can be found over the counter, but those aren't always adjustable and often don’t fit very well. A poorly fitted appliance can feel uncomfortable or even make things worse. A better fitting appliance usually leads to better results too—less noise, better sleep, and fewer mornings that feel like a struggle.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Oral Appliance

Picking the right oral appliance is a lot like finding the right pair of shoes. The most expensive one won’t mean much if it doesn’t fit correctly or isn’t comfortable to wear. Here are a few things worth thinking about when trying to decide on the best one for your needs:

1. Comfort and Fit: You’ll be wearing it every night, so it needs to feel right. A tight appliance might make your jaw sore. One that’s too loose might fall out while you sleep.

2. Material Used: Some appliances are made using hard plastic while others use soft silicone. If you have allergies or sensitive gums, this becomes pretty important. The material can also affect how it feels and how long it lasts.

3. Ease of Use and Maintenance: The simpler it is to clean and keep in good shape, the more likely you’ll use it consistently. Some designs are easier to brush, rinse, and store than others. If something is tough to clean, you might stop using it, and that can ruin your progress.

It also helps to think about your personal sleep habits. If you often fall asleep on your back or wake up with a dry mouth, that might influence which style of device works best. One patient we worked with had always used over-the-counter solutions, but once she got a custom-fitted device tailored to her jaw shape, her snoring nearly stopped. Her mornings felt easier too. Sometimes small changes lead to big results.

Benefits Of Using Oral Appliances For Snoring

Choosing to use an oral appliance for managing snoring can make a noticeable difference in how you sleep and how you feel during the day. Better sleep quality is the first major benefit. A restful night can help sharpen focus, boost your mood, and give you more energy to enjoy your day.

Another clear benefit is reducing the frequency and intensity of snoring. Less noise doesn’t just help your partner—it’s also a sign that your breathing is smoother and your body is getting more oxygen. Many people say they wake up less often during the night and feel more alert during the day once they start using an appliance that fits well.

There’s also a bigger-picture advantage to using oral appliances regularly. Better sleep leads to better health. When snoring gets under control, you're less likely to deal with related health problems over time. That’s why making a change now can pay off in the future. Whether it’s performing better at work, enjoying time with family, or simply not feeling so groggy, the effects are easy to notice.

Consulting With A Professional In Grand Rapids, MI

Finding the right oral appliance isn’t something you have to figure out on your own. If you’re in Grand Rapids, MI, it makes sense to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilson. She will consider your specific needs, like the shape of your jaw or history of dental work, which can really affect the kind of appliance that’s best.

Meeting with Dr. Wilson gives you the chance to talk through concerns and explore what options might work best for you. She can help you feel more confident not just in your pick but in how to use it properly at home. If the device doesn’t feel quite right at first, she can help adjust it until it does.

Her support can make the entire process feel more manageable. Instead of guessing which device might help or dealing with discomfort from a poor fit, you’ll have someone guiding you each step of the way. With her help, you can go from trial-and-error to consistent and peaceful nights much faster.

Start Sleeping Better With The Right Oral Appliance

Snoring doesn’t just affect your sleep—it affects your whole day. Whether you’re feeling drained, having trouble focusing, or simply not getting along with your bed partner, it can take a toll. That’s why choosing the right oral appliance matters.

A custom-fit solution has the power to calm your nights and energize your mornings. With guidance from Dr. Wilson, you can feel confident that you’re making the right choice for your situation. You're not left to figure it out alone, and that guidance can make all the difference.

If you’ve tried over-the-counter options without luck or if you’re just beginning to explore this path, consider making that next step. It might take a quick visit, a small adjustment, and the right device designed just for you to see results. When your nights are quieter and your rest is deeper, everything in your day—from work to play—can feel easier to enjoy. Peaceful sleep is possible, and the right oral appliance might be just what you need.

For those ready to address their snoring and enjoy peaceful nights, consider how effective a tailored solution can be. At The Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ PC, Dr. Wilson provides custom-fit oral appliances, offering relief through personalized care. Discover more about our comprehensive snore treatment options and take the first step towards quieter, more restful nights. Your journey to better sleep and energized mornings starts here.