Oral Appliances for Snoring in Canada
Snoring doesn’t just rattle a bedroom. It can point to airway issues that affect sleep quality, daytime energy, and even heart health. For many Canadians with simple snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a dentist-fitted oral appliance offers a quiet, portable alternative to bulky equipment.
This guide explains how these devices work, who they help, and what to expect—from the first consult to follow-up testing.
What is an oral appliance for snoring?
An oral appliance is a small, custom mouthpiece worn during sleep. Most gently move your lower jaw or stabilize your tongue so the airway stays open. When the airway stays open, soft tissues vibrate less, which reduces snoring and can improve mild OSA.
Quick facts Canadians should know
– Most common type: mandibular advancement device (MAD)
– Another option: tongue-retaining device (TRD)
– Best for: snoring and many cases of mild OSA; can help some with moderate OSA who can’t tolerate CPAP
– Fitted by: a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine
– Verified results: follow-up sleep testing (home or lab) helps confirm effectiveness
What does an oral appliance do?
An oral appliance holds the lower jaw (or the tongue) in a slightly forward position. This increases the space behind the tongue and soft palate, reducing collapse of the airway. Less collapse usually means less snoring and fewer breathing pauses.
Featured Answer
Oral appliances are small, custom mouthpieces that hold your lower jaw or tongue forward while you sleep. This helps keep the airway open, reducing snoring and improving mild sleep apnea for many people who can’t tolerate bulkier equipment.
Why this matters in Canada
Snoring is common. Large surveys suggest roughly one-quarter to two-fifths of adults snore. And sleep apnea is frequently underdiagnosed—about one in sixteen Canadian adults report being told they have sleep apnea. Many people struggling with bulky equipment want a simpler option that travels well and is easy to wear each night.
Evidence at a glance
“Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in appropriate patients.” — American Dental Association
Oral appliance types
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs)
These are the most common. Two slim trays fit over your teeth, gently sliding the lower jaw forward to open the airway. They’re adjustable, so your dentist can fine-tune comfort and effectiveness over several visits.
Tongue-retaining devices (TRDs)
These stabilize the tongue so it doesn’t fall back during sleep. TRDs are less common than MADs but can be useful when jaw positioning is limited or dentures are present.
Who is a good candidate?
– People with primary snoring (no sleep apnea) or mild OSA
– Some with moderate OSA who can’t tolerate CPAP after proper coaching
– Side or back sleepers whose snoring worsens when lying on their back
– Travelers or shift workers who need a compact solution
Not sure whether snoring is “just snoring” or something more? Learn how airway problems and dental health intersect in this overview of sleep and oral health: sleep apnea and oral health.
How to get an oral appliance in Canada
1) Screening and sleep testing
Your dentist will ask about symptoms (snoring, morning headaches, dry mouth, daytime sleepiness), examine your airway and bite, and often coordinate with your family doctor for a sleep study (home or lab). A formal sleep test is the clearest way to confirm if you have apnea and how severe it is.
2) Custom impressions and bite registration
After you’re a candidate, the dental team takes digital scans or impressions and measures a comfortable, therapeutic jaw position. This ensures the device fits securely and works with your bite and jaw joints.
3) Fitting, titration, and follow-ups
Once the device is made, your dentist fits it and shows you how to insert, remove, and clean it. Over several weeks, small adjustments (titration) fine-tune the advancement so you get the most benefit with the least jaw strain. A repeat sleep test confirms results.
Benefits
– Portable and discreet for travel
– Often easier to adapt to than bulkier equipment
– Can improve snoring and mild OSA symptoms (better sleep, more energy)
– May lower bed-partner disturbance and morning dry mouth related to mouth-breathing
Possible downsides
– Temporary jaw or tooth soreness during the first weeks
– Dry mouth or extra saliva early on
– Bite changes if follow-ups are skipped or the device is over-advanced
– Less effective for severe OSA or certain airway patterns
Oral appliance vs. night guard vs. CPAP
A night guard for tooth grinding mainly cushions teeth—it doesn’t advance the jaw to open the airway. Some people have both grinding and snoring; your dentist can design a device that protects teeth and supports the airway. Curious how protective night guards help with clenching and headaches? See this explainer on night guards.
CPAP remains the first-line treatment for many with moderate to severe OSA because it’s highly effective when used consistently. But if CPAP isn’t tolerated despite coaching, an oral appliance can be a practical alternative—especially for mild OSA or snoring.
Care and maintenance
Daily
– Rinse the device with cool water
– Use a soft brush and mild, non-abrasive soap
– Avoid hot water and toothpaste (they can warp or scratch plastic)
Weekly
– Soak as directed by your dentist (non-bleach, non-alcohol solutions)
– Check screws/straps and case for wear
At dental visits
– Bring your device so your dentist can clean it ultrasonically (if applicable), re-check fit, and monitor your bite and jaw joints
Safety and side effects—what’s normal?
Short-lived jaw or tooth soreness and extra saliva are common early on. These usually fade as you adapt. If you feel persistent jaw pain, tooth movement, or your bite feels “off,” contact your dentist quickly—small adjustments can prevent bigger issues.
Results you can expect
– Quieter nights and fewer wake-ups for many users
– Less morning grogginess or headaches
– Confirmation with a follow-up sleep test after titration
– Best outcomes when you wear it nightly and attend check-ins
When an oral appliance may not be enough
Severe OSA, certain jaw structures, or significant nasal obstruction may respond better to CPAP or combined approaches (such as positional therapy, weight management, or ENT care). Your dentist or sleep physician will guide you.
How to choose the right provider
Look for a dentist who routinely treats snoring and sleep apnea, collaborates with sleep physicians, and offers ongoing follow-up and bite monitoring. Here’s a practical checklist to help you pick a supportive clinic: how to choose the right dentist.
Frequently asked Canadian questions
Will it help if I only snore?
Often, yes. Many people with primary snoring (no apnea) see a noticeable drop in noise. A screening ensures you’re not missing mild OSA.
How long until it feels comfortable?
Most people adapt within 1–3 weeks. Early soreness or extra saliva typically settles as your jaw muscles adjust and the device is fine-tuned.
Do I still need a sleep test?
Yes, if apnea is suspected. A baseline sleep test confirms your starting point. A follow-up test checks how well the appliance works after adjustments.
Will it change my bite?
Small bite changes can occur, especially without follow-up. Regular check-ins and thoughtful titration help prevent or correct problems early.
Can I use it with dentures?
It’s possible but trickier. Some devices can work with partials or specific denture designs. Your dentist will assess support, fit, and stability.
What about kids or teens who snore?
A pediatric assessment is essential. For growing patients, providers often focus on airway causes (allergies, enlarged tonsils/adenoids) and orthodontic guidance instead of adult-style appliances.
Conclusion
For many Canadians with snoring or mild sleep apnea, a well-fitted oral appliance is a simple, proven path to quieter nights and better days. The keys to success are proper screening, custom fitting, careful adjustments, and follow-up testing—plus steady, nightly use. If you’re CPAP-intolerant or want a travel-friendly solution, talk to a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine to see if an oral appliance fits your airway, lifestyle, and goals.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a pharmacy “snore guard” and a dentist-made device?
Over-the-counter devices are one-size-fits-most and can be bulky or unstable. Dentist-made appliances are custom, adjustable, and monitored over time, which improves comfort and results.
Will an oral appliance fix daytime sleepiness?
It can, especially if snoring or mild OSA is the cause. A follow-up sleep test and clinical review help confirm whether your symptoms improve and if any other factors are involved.
How often should I replace it?
Many devices last several years with good care. Your dentist will watch for wear, bite changes, and hardware fatigue and advise when it’s time for repair or replacement.
Can I wear it if I grind my teeth?
Yes. Many people grind and snore. Your dentist can choose a design that protects teeth and supports your airway—then adjust it over time as needed.
What if I have nasal congestion?
Nasal issues can worsen snoring and OSA. Nasal care (saline rinses, allergy management) can boost results. Your dentist or doctor may suggest seeing an ENT if congestion persists.
Do I still need dental checkups?
Absolutely. Annual or semi-annual visits—plus appliance check-ins—help keep your gums, teeth, bite, and device in good shape so you get predictable, long-term results.
