Simple Fixes and Snore Relief Insights from Dr. Wilson

Top Snoring Treatment Options: Insights from Dr. Wilson

December 31, 2025

Snoring might seem harmless, but over time, it can chip away at how well we sleep and how rested we feel. Many people brush it off or see it as something they just have to live with. But loud or ongoing snoring makes it hard for your body and your brain to get solid rest.

We help people every day in Grand Rapids, MI, who are frustrated by how snoring affects their nights, and sometimes, their days too. Dr. Wilson works one-on-one with them to understand what’s causing the noise and where it might be coming from. She believes that no two people snore for the exact same reason. With that in mind, let’s talk about a few simple snore treatment options and how Dr. Wilson chooses what might be worth trying.

Understanding Why Snoring Happens

Snoring begins when air has a hard time moving freely through the back of the throat during sleep. This narrow space causes soft tissue to vibrate, which leads to the snoring sound. For some, that vibration is mild. Others may experience a much louder, rougher kind of noise.

Dr. Wilson often checks how someone’s jaw rests while they sleep, how often their mouth stays open at night, or if their teeth show signs of clenching or grinding. These details can give clues about how the airway is being blocked or pressured.

Snoring can also show up more when people sleep on their backs or if their neck muscles are tense. If the space at the back of the throat narrows just a little, snoring can start right away. The good news is that once we know what might be going on, we can begin to look more closely at what can help.

Gentle at-Home Support That Can Make a Difference

Sometimes light changes in how we sleep or go about our day can offer some early relief. Dr. Wilson may suggest supporting your body’s natural sleep position or watching how your jaw is resting when you're relaxing.

Some helpful daily habits include:

• Being mindful of posture, especially during long work periods

• Noticing if your jaw feels tight or exhausted in the mornings

• Watching out for mouth breathing at night, which can cause the throat to dry out more easily

Of course, while small changes might help, guessing isn’t always the best approach. That’s why Dr. Wilson recommends checking in when snoring is frequent or strong. A closer look can save time and point you in a better direction than trial and error.

How Mouth Devices May Help with Nighttime Breathing

One of the tools Dr. Wilson may suggest is a custom oral device. These are gentle, lightweight pieces that help keep the lower jaw in a better place while you sleep. Keeping the jaw forward slightly can open the back of the throat, giving air more room to move without setting off snoring sounds.

Dr. Wilson makes each device based on how your mouth works, not one-size-fits-all. They’re shaped to fit comfortably and stay in place without pushing or pulling. For many people, these tools feel like a soft guide rather than a tight retainer.

When that jaw support is in the right position, some people notice they feel clearer, more rested, or less tense in the face and neck. The goal isn’t to force the body to behave differently but to guide it gently toward a quieter, smoother night.

At The Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ PC in Grand Rapids, MI, our oral appliances are custom-made using digital impressions for each patient with snoring or sleep-disordered breathing, making them uniquely effective as part of a professional treatment plan. We recheck device fit and effectiveness often to help patients see lasting results.

When Snoring Is Linked to Jaw or Muscle Tension

In some cases, snoring may have more to do with jaw problems than anything else. Muscle tension in the jaw, teeth grinding, or clenching during sleep can all lead to strong vibrations and blockages in the throat.

During a visit, Dr. Wilson often checks for:

• Soreness in the jaw or face in the morning

• Signs of wear on the teeth from grinding or pressing

• Jaw movement that feels limited or poppy instead of smooth

If tight muscles or an uneven bite are forcing the airway into a tighter spot, the snoring often lines up with that. Recognizing these patterns early gives Dr. Wilson a starting point for adjusting the way the jaw moves, so breathing can feel easier when it’s time to rest.

Snoring patients at The Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ PC benefit from a team dedicated only to TMJ, airway, and sleep breathing support, with a care model that addresses both jaw and airway health for comprehensive relief.

Getting Clear When Other Options Haven’t Worked

Plenty of people come to us after trying just about everything they could find on their own. Things like head-positioning pillows or nasal strips might help some, but these tools don’t always fix the real source of the problem.

Dr. Wilson takes time to talk through the full picture, including what’s already been tested and what the results were. Some people feel relief with small changes, but others need a closer look at the way their jaw and airway work together.

Rather than starting again from scratch, Dr. Wilson builds a new plan using the information you already have about your sleep. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing something different that makes more sense for how your body works.

A Better Night’s Sleep Starts with the Right Support

Snoring doesn’t just interrupt sleep. It can make mornings harder, relationships tenser, and healthy rest feel just out of reach. That quiet hum in the background can start to affect how focused, alert, or relaxed we feel all day long.

With the right support and a little time, small changes can lead to better comfort, a more open airway, and simple relief where it matters most. Dr. Wilson listens carefully, watches closely, and works based on the real-life signs she sees, not just the sound of the snoring. Everyone starts from a different place, and that’s exactly how care should be given.

At The Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ PC, we understand how challenging it is to deal with nightly snoring and waking up exhausted. When at-home adjustments haven't provided enough relief, we can help uncover what's happening beneath the surface.

Dr. Wilson focuses on finding solutions that address both your jaw and airway for better, more restful nights. For more details on how we approach snore treatment in Grand Rapids, MI, we invite you to contact us and start the conversation about your care.