Snoring treatment that starts with the right question

Why people snore

When you sleep, the muscles of the throat relax and the tongue falls back. If the airway narrows enough, the air rushing through makes the soft tissue vibrate. That’s the snore. Sleeping on your back, alcohol, nasal congestion, weight and the shape of your jaw all play a part.

Snoring or sleep apnea?

From the other side of the bed, they can sound the same. The difference is what happens between the snores. In sleep apnea the airway closes completely, and breathing stops for ten seconds or more before a gasp or snort starts it again. Signs that point toward apnea include witnessed pauses, waking up choking, morning headaches and being tired all day. Why snoring is more dangerous than you think.

That’s why Dr. Love doesn’t treat snoring until sleep apnea has been ruled in or out. A home sleep test makes that easy.

How a custom appliance quiets it

The appliance holds your lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the tongue and soft tissue from falling back. Less narrowing means less vibration. Because it’s made from scans of your teeth, it’s slim enough to talk and sip water with, and Dr. Love can adjust it in tiny steps until the snoring stops.

For the one lying awake

Partners are often the reason people come in. If you’re the one losing sleep, send them the two-minute sleep quiz. One patient told us his wife said he doesn’t gasp for air anymore, and now she’s sleeping better too.