Serving LIV and the Surrounding Communities

Snore Appliances & Sleep Apnea in Southeast Burlington, ON

A good night's sleep is worth protecting, for you and the person beside you. Book a consultation at our LIV office to learn whether a custom oral appliance can help with your snoring or mild sleep apnea.

Oral Appliance Therapy at LIV

Oral appliance therapy uses a custom mouthpiece, worn at night, that eases your lower jaw gently forward. That small shift helps keep your airway open while you sleep, which can quiet snoring and help with mild sleep apnea. We work hand in hand with your physician from diagnosis through follow-up.

A smiling patient being examined in the dental chair

Sleep Better Together

When one person snores, two people often lose sleep. Reducing snoring helps your partner stay asleep through the night, which can make mornings easier for both of you. Many patients also feel more alert during the day once their breathing at night improves, though every person's results differ. The appliance slips in at bedtime and comes out in the morning with a quick rinse.

Built From Your digital Digital Scan

Our 3D scanner creates a precise 3D model of your teeth, which becomes the blueprint for your appliance. The scan is contact-free, so it's comfortable for patients who gag easily. An appliance designed from your digital model holds on securely and feels less bulky. It's small, quiet, and needs no electricity, so it travels easily in a carry-on or overnight bag.

Working with Your Dentist and Physician

Treating sleep apnea well means sharing information between the people looking after your health. Your physician confirms the diagnosis, usually through a sleep study, before oral appliance therapy begins. With your consent, we share details about your appliance and progress with your physician. Here at LIV, we monitor your comfort, teeth, gums, and bite over time and make adjustments when needed.

Why Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Be Serious

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the soft tissues in your throat block your airway again and again during sleep. Each time, breathing pauses until your body briefly wakes to restart it. Over time, this can affect:

  • Your energy. Frequent interruptions keep you from reaching deep, restful sleep, even when you spend plenty of hours in bed.
  • Your safety. Ongoing tiredness can make it harder to concentrate, including while driving.
  • Your heart and blood pressure. Research has linked untreated sleep apnea with high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health conditions.
  • Your family's rest. Heavy snoring and breathing pauses can keep a partner awake, and many partners worry when they hear them.

The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable. A conversation with your physician is the first step toward knowing what's going on.

Could an Oral Appliance Help You Sleep?

Your body and your bed partner often notice sleep problems before you do. Consider booking a consultation if:

  • You've been told you snore loudly most nights. Regular, heavy snoring is worth a closer look, especially if it's getting worse.
  • Your partner has seen you stop breathing or gasp for air. Pauses in breathing are a common sign of sleep apnea and should be checked by your physician.
  • Daytime sleepiness is hard to shake. Nodding off during quiet moments can point to poor sleep quality at night.
  • Mornings start with a headache or a parched mouth. These can be linked with snoring and nighttime mouth breathing.
  • Your physician has diagnosed mild sleep apnea. An oral appliance may be one of the options your physician recommends.

Oral appliances are mainly used for snoring and mild sleep apnea. For more significant sleep apnea, your physician will recommend the treatment that best fits your needs, and we're happy to support that plan.

A smiling young woman taking a selfie on a sofa
Insurance & financing

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.

What to expect

Your Treatment, Step by Step

Your care moves forward one clear step at a time.

Step one

Your Sleep Consultation

Tell us about your snoring, your energy during the day, and what your partner has noticed. Bring any sleep study results you already have.

Step two

Connecting With Your Physician

If you haven't been assessed, we'll help you reach out to your physician, who can arrange a sleep study. Your physician confirms your diagnosis and whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate for you.

Step three

Teeth and Jaw Exam

Your dentist makes sure your teeth, gums, and jaw can support an appliance comfortably. We then take a digital scan of your teeth and bite.

Step four

Fitting Day

We place your appliance, check the fit, and walk you through wearing and cleaning it. You'll learn what to expect during the first few weeks.

Step five

Adjustments and Ongoing Care

We see you for follow-ups to check comfort and fine-tune the jaw position as needed. Your physician may also arrange a follow-up sleep test to check your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your airway repeatedly narrows or closes while you sleep, causing short pauses in breathing. These pauses can disrupt your sleep many times a night. A physician diagnoses it, usually with a sleep study.
Why do people snore?
When you sleep, the muscles and soft tissues in your throat relax. As air passes through a narrowed airway, those tissues can vibrate and make the sound we know as snoring. Sleeping position, weight, alcohol, and nasal congestion can all play a role.
Can my dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, usually through a sleep study. Your dentist may notice signs during a visit and can help you connect with your physician. Once you have a diagnosis, your dentist can fit and monitor an oral appliance if it's right for you.
Who is a good candidate for a snore appliance?
Oral appliances are generally a good fit for people with snoring or mild sleep apnea who have healthy teeth and gums to hold the appliance. Your physician confirms the diagnosis, and your dentist checks that your mouth and jaw can support it.
What does it feel like to sleep with an appliance?
At first, it can feel a little unusual to have something in your mouth at night. Many patients notice mild jaw or tooth tenderness in the morning or extra saliva during the first weeks, and this usually settles. We're here to adjust the fit if anything feels off.
My partner says I stop breathing at night. What should I do?
Make an appointment with your physician soon. Pauses in breathing are a common sign of sleep apnea, and a sleep study can confirm what's happening. Once you have answers, we can talk about whether an oral appliance fits into your treatment plan.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Some people notice quieter nights soon after they start wearing their appliance, while others need a few adjustments first. Your dentist will fine-tune the fit over follow-up visits. Your physician may recommend a follow-up sleep test to confirm results.
Do I still need to see my physician once I have an appliance?
Yes. Your physician stays involved in managing your sleep apnea and may want to check how well the appliance is working. We'll keep them updated, with your permission, so your care stays connected.
Are there side effects to watch for?
Some patients notice temporary jaw soreness, tooth tenderness, or changes in saliva as they adjust. Over time, the way your teeth meet can shift slightly, which is why regular monitoring matters. Your digital scans help us track changes and respond early.
What does a snore appliance cost, and will insurance help?
The cost depends on your appliance and your treatment needs. Some dental and extended health plans include coverage for oral appliances, and coverage varies by plan. We follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, submit claims directly, and review costs with you before treatment begins.
Connect with us

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.

Locations

Tell us how we are doing?