A Custom Fit for an Open Airway
A snore appliance is a custom-fitted mouthpiece you wear while you sleep. It gently moves your lower jaw forward to help keep your airway open, which can reduce snoring and help manage mild sleep apnea. We fit and monitor every appliance here at Headon and coordinate your care with your physician.
Better Sleep for the Whole Household
Snoring rarely affects only the person doing it. Less snoring can mean quieter nights for your partner and fewer nights spent in the spare room. When air moves more easily, many patients also wake up feeling more refreshed, though results vary from person to person. The routine is simple: put the appliance in before bed, then rinse it and store it in its case each morning.
A Precise, Scan-Based Fit
Your appliance is designed from a precise 3D model of your teeth, taken with our 3D scanner. The scan is contact-free and comfortable, even for patients with a sensitive gag reflex. A close match to your bite helps the appliance stay in place through the night and feel natural to wear. It needs no power cord or hose, so it packs easily for work trips and cottage weekends.
Coordinated With Your Physician
Sleep apnea is a medical condition, so your dentist and your physician each play a part. Your physician confirms whether you have snoring alone or sleep apnea, usually through a sleep study. With your permission, we keep your physician updated on how your appliance is working. At follow-up visits here, we check your fit, comfort, teeth, and jaw and adjust the appliance as needed.
Why Loud Snoring Is Worth Checking
Snoring is sometimes harmless, and sometimes it's a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, the airway narrows or closes over and over during sleep, causing short pauses in breathing. Left untreated, it can lead to:
- Broken sleep you may never remember. Each pause can briefly wake your brain, so you can spend a full night in bed and still wake up tired.
- Daytime drowsiness. Poor sleep can affect your focus, mood, and alertness at work, at home, and behind the wheel.
- Added strain on your health. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart problems, and other health concerns.
- A tired household. Loud snoring can interrupt your partner's sleep every night, and that adds up for both of you.
A physician is the right person to tell you whether your snoring is simple snoring or sleep apnea. If you're unsure, we can help you start that conversation.
When to Talk About Snoring
Many people first hear about their snoring from someone else. It may be time to speak with us and your physician if:
- Your partner mentions loud, regular snoring. Since you're asleep when it happens, their report is often the first clue.
- Someone has noticed you gasp, choke, or stop breathing. These can be signs of sleep apnea and should be checked by your physician soon.
- You wake up tired after a full night in bed. Feeling unrefreshed can mean your sleep is being interrupted.
- You often wake with a headache or dry mouth. Both can be linked with snoring and breathing through your mouth at night.
- You've been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. Your physician may suggest an oral appliance as a treatment option worth exploring.
Oral appliances are generally used for snoring and mild sleep apnea. If a sleep study shows more significant sleep apnea, your physician will guide you toward the treatment that suits you, and we're glad to be part of that conversation.
We've got you covered
We work with all providers and follow Ontario's fee guide at both locations, so there are never any surprise costs. Give us a call or book online and we'll happily sort out the details with you.
Your Path to Quieter Nights
Each step involves both your dental team and, where needed, your physician.
A Conversation About Your Sleep
We'll ask about your snoring, how you feel during the day, and anything your partner has noticed. If you've already had a sleep study, bring the results with you.
Diagnosis Through Your Physician
If you haven't had a sleep assessment, we'll help you connect with your physician, who can arrange testing. Your physician confirms the diagnosis and whether an oral appliance is a suitable option for you.
Dental Exam and Digital Scan
Your dentist checks that your teeth, gums, and jaw are healthy enough to support an appliance. A quick digital scan then captures your teeth and bite for the design.
Fitting Your Appliance
We fit your appliance, check how it feels, and show you how to put it in, take it out, and clean it. Your dentist will explain what's normal as you get used to it.
Follow-Up and Fine-Tuning
At follow-up visits, we check your comfort and bite and adjust the appliance as needed. Your physician may also recommend a follow-up sleep test to confirm how well it's working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a snore appliance work?
How do I know if I have sleep apnea or just snore?
Do I need a sleep study before getting an appliance?
Will the appliance be uncomfortable to sleep in?
Can an oral appliance replace a CPAP machine?
Will it stop my snoring completely?
Can wearing an appliance change my bite?
How do I clean my snore appliance?
How long does a snore appliance last?
Is a snore appliance covered by insurance?
We would love to meet you
Whether you're looking for a new dental home, coming back after a while away, or just finally ready to book that appointment, we're here, and we'd love to welcome you. New patients are always welcome at both locations. Book online or give us a call, we'll take great care of you.