Persistent snoring can disrupt sleep for both you and the people around you. At Excellence in Dentistry, Dr. Curtis Godfrey provides snoring treatment in Idaho Falls, Idaho, with oral appliance options for appropriate patients whose snoring may be related to airway narrowing during sleep.
Dr. Godfrey has trained with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and evaluates airway-related risk factors as part of his comprehensive approach to care. He can help determine whether a dental appliance may be appropriate or whether your symptoms suggest the need for additional sleep evaluation.
Why Does Snoring Happen?
Snoring occurs when airflow causes tissues in the airway to vibrate during sleep. The amount and frequency of snoring can vary depending on airway anatomy, sleeping position and other individual factors.
Although snoring is common, it can sometimes be associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Because the two conditions are not the same, persistent or concerning snoring should be evaluated rather than assuming an oral appliance is automatically the right treatment.
Oral Appliance Treatment for Snoring
For appropriate patients, Dr. Godfrey may recommend an oral appliance worn during sleep. The appliance is designed to change the position of the jaw and related oral structures in a way that can help support a more open airway and reduce the vibration associated with snoring.
Oral appliance treatment is personalized to the individual patient. Dr. Godfrey evaluates your teeth, gums, bite and jaw relationships before determining whether an appliance is suitable for your needs.
Who May Benefit From Snoring Treatment?
An oral appliance may be considered when snoring is related to airway narrowing and the mouth is healthy enough to support treatment. During your evaluation, Dr. Godfrey will also ask about symptoms that could suggest a more significant sleep-related breathing concern.
Factors that may be considered include:
- How frequently and loudly you snore
- Whether a sleeping partner has noticed pauses or changes in breathing
- Your dental and periodontal health
- Your bite and jaw relationships
- Existing dental restorations
- Any previous sleep evaluation or treatment
If your symptoms raise concern for sleep apnea, additional medical evaluation may be appropriate before treatment is planned.
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can occur together, but snoring alone does not mean that sleep apnea is present. Sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions or restrictions in breathing during sleep and requires appropriate diagnosis and management.
Symptoms such as witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping during sleep, significant daytime tiredness or other persistent sleep concerns are important to discuss. Dr. Godfrey can evaluate the dental and airway-related factors within his scope of care and help you understand whether further assessment is warranted.
What to Expect From Snoring Treatment in Idaho Falls, Idaho
Your visit begins with a discussion of your snoring, sleep concerns and relevant health history. Dr. Godfrey will also examine your teeth, gums, bite and jaw relationships to determine whether oral appliance therapy can be considered.
If an appliance is appropriate, it will be planned for your mouth and treatment needs. Dr. Godfrey will explain how to wear and care for it and what follow-up may be needed to evaluate comfort, fit and your response to treatment.
Why Dental Health Matters for an Oral Appliance
A snoring appliance interacts directly with the teeth and jaw, which means oral health is an important part of treatment planning. Dr. Godfrey evaluates the stability of the teeth, condition of the gums, bite and existing dental work before recommending treatment.
If another dental concern needs attention first, our dentists can explain how that issue may affect the timing or suitability of appliance therapy.
Experience in Dental Sleep Medicine
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has more than 20 years of clinical experience and has trained with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. His training includes evaluating airway-related risk factors and providing oral appliance alternatives for appropriate patients with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.
He also completes more than 100 hours of continuing education annually with Spear Education, including advanced study in occlusion and comprehensive treatment planning. This broader experience helps him consider how an oral appliance may interact with the patient’s bite and overall dental health.
Snoring Treatment FAQs
Can a dentist help with snoring?
For appropriate patients, Dr. Godfrey may provide an oral appliance designed to support the airway during sleep. An evaluation is needed to determine whether dental appliance treatment is suitable for your snoring.
How does an oral appliance help with snoring?
An oral appliance changes the position of the jaw and related oral structures during sleep. For some patients, this can help support a more open airway and reduce the tissue vibration that contributes to snoring.
Does snoring mean I have sleep apnea?
No. Snoring can occur without sleep apnea, although it can also be associated with a sleep-related breathing disorder. If your symptoms suggest sleep apnea, additional evaluation may be needed.
Do I need a sleep study for snoring treatment?
Not every patient who snores will need the same evaluation. If Dr. Godfrey identifies symptoms that may indicate sleep apnea or another sleep-related breathing concern, medical evaluation or a sleep study may be recommended before treatment.
Is an oral appliance right for everyone who snores?
No. Candidacy depends on the cause of the snoring, oral health, bite, jaw relationships and other individual factors. Dr. Godfrey can determine whether an oral appliance is appropriate after evaluating your needs.
Where can I learn more about snoring treatment in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Dr. Curtis Godfrey provides oral appliance options for appropriate patients at Excellence in Dentistry. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule a consultation and discuss whether dental snoring treatment may be appropriate for you.
Find Out Whether an Oral Appliance May Help
If persistent snoring is affecting your sleep or your household, ask about snoring treatment in Idaho Falls, ID. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Curtis Godfrey and learn whether an oral appliance may be appropriate for your needs.