Sleep concerns can affect your health, energy, and quality of life. Some patients who snore, clench, or grind their teeth may benefit from a custom dental appliance, depending on the cause of the problem and the diagnosis.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep because the airway becomes partially or fully blocked. Snoring can be a common sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

Common signs and risk factors may include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, waking up gasping, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, excess weight, a small jaw, large tongue
or tonsils, nasal obstruction, or a family history of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a medical condition and should be diagnosed by a physician, often through a sleep study. If left untreated, sleep apnea may contribute to serious health concerns, including high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke risk, diabetes, mood changes, and daytime sleepiness.

Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, or evaluation by a medical specialist. For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance may be recommended to help support the lower jaw and keep the airway more open during sleep.

We can discuss whether an oral appliance may be appropriate for you and coordinate with your physician or sleep medicine provider when needed.

Teeth grinding and clenching, also called bruxism, can place heavy stress on the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles. Signs may include worn teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth, jaw soreness, facial muscle tenderness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or damage to existing dental work.

A custom night guard is designed to fit your teeth and help protect them from the forces of clenching and grinding. While a night guard does not necessarily stop the habit itself, it can reduce wear, protect dental restorations, and help support long-term tooth health.

If you are concerned about snoring, sleep apnea, clenching, or grinding, our team can help evaluate your teeth, bite, and symptoms and guide you toward the appropriate next step.