Snoring Therapy in Montgomery, AL

Smilemakers Comprehensive Dentistry provides Snoring Treatment in Montgomery, AL. Call 334-277-5498 to learn more and schedule your appointment. 

Snoring is the sound made when air flows past relaxed soft tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe. It's a common sleep disorder that affects almost everyone at one time or another.

Many people occasionally snore and aren’t considered true snorers because their snoring is not habitual or chronic. True habitual snorers typically fall into two main categories: those who snore only when sleeping on their backs, and those who snore loudly every night regardless of their sleeping position.

Common causes of snoring include:

• Sleeping on your back
• Being overweight
• Having a narrow throat
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Alcohol use, especially before bedtime
• Nasal congestion
• A relaxed soft palate or tongue that partially blocks the airway

Snoring can have a profound impact on those around you. If you’re the partner of someone who snores, you know how disruptive it can be to the quality of your sleep. You may even find yourself sleeping in another room or on the sofa.

As well as being disruptive at home, snoring can cause problems in your professional life. A lack of sleep means that your brain can’t function at its best and can impact your ability to concentrate during the day. Many patients also experience trouble waking up feeling rested, insomnia, or a general decline in overall health.

Snorers may be more likely to experience certain health problems that can lead to even more serious conditions: 

Sleep Apnea. Snoring is associated with obstructive sleep apnea, where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. This can make you feel tired during the day and increase your risk of high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, or diabetes.

High Blood Pressure/Heart Disease. Snoring is closely associated with high blood pressure and heart conditions. When people don’t get enough oxygen during sleep, the lack of oxygen can cause the body to work overtime to supply the organs with enough oxygen. This raises blood pressure and places extra strain on the cardiovascular system.

Type 2 Diabetes.  Diabetes is also associated with sleep apnea, which can cause poor blood sugar control and make it more difficult for people with diabetes to manage their condition. 

Depression. A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found that people who suffered from depression were up to six times more likely to have a sleep breathing disorder such as snoring or sleep apnea than those without depression.

The two main ways to diagnose snoring and its causes are: 

Clinical history. Your dentist will ask you questions about snoring and sleep apnea. If you have a bed partner, your dentist may ask them questions. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a sleep study to determine if you have sleep apnea.

Diagnostic testing. These tests may include X-rays of the jaw, dental impressions, or CT scans of your mouth and jaw.

Treatment for snoring depends on what's causing it. The most common causes are nasal or throat problems and some can be solved with simple changes. Our team focuses on finding effective treatment options to help patients stop snoring and improve their sleep quality.

Treatment may include:

• Nasal strips or other devices to keep your nasal passages open while you sleep.
• Oral appliance therapy — a custom oral appliance designed to move the lower jaw forward and maintain an unobstructed, open airway while you sleep.
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP therapy) for people with sleep apnea to keep the airway open.
• Surgery in more advanced cases to address structural issues contributing to an obstructed airway.

Many patients find that they are unable to tolerate CPAP masks or a CPAP machine long-term. For these patients, oral appliance therapy is a comfortable and effective alternative that can provide better sleep without the discomfort of CPAP. The appliance works by gently positioning the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open and reduce or eliminate snoring throughout the night.

When Should You See a Sleep Specialist?

If your snoring is severe, or if you're experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea such as gasping for air, frequent waking, or excessive daytime fatigue, our practice may refer you to a sleep specialist or a sleep medicine physician for further evaluation. A sleep study can provide a more comprehensive diagnosis and help determine whether additional apnea treatment is needed. Working collaboratively with board-certified physicians and specialists ensures that our patients receive the most thorough and effective treatment for their sleep disorders.

Why Choose SmileMakers for Snoring Treatment in Montgomery?

At Smilemakers Comprehensive Dentistry, our practice is dedicated to helping patients throughout Montgomery, AL achieve better sleep and improved overall health. Our team takes the time to understand each patient's unique symptoms and concerns before recommending a course of treatment. Whether you need a simple oral appliance, a referral for a sleep study, or guidance on sleep apnea treatment options, we are here to help you find the right solution.

We focus on providing comfortable, patient-centered care and offer a full range of services to address snoring and sleep disorders — so you can get back to feeling your best every morning. If you've been told you snore, or if you've been struggling to get a good night's rest, don't wait to seek help. Snoring can often be treated effectively, and our team is ready to work with you to find an approach that fits your lifestyle and helps you breathe, sleep, and function better.

Call 334-277-5498 to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Montgomery, AL today!