Tired of the Snoring? So Is Your Bed Partner.

Snoring happens when air moves past relaxed tissue in the throat — the soft palate, tongue, and tonsils — causing it to vibrate. Sleep position, nasal congestion, alcohol before bed, weight, and natural airway anatomy can all make it more likely.

No. Simple snoring is usually steady in volume, doesn't involve breathing pauses, and doesn't cause significant daytime fatigue. Sleep apnea often involves louder, more irregular snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping or choking, and daytime symptoms like fatigue or morning headaches. A sleep study, ordered by a physician, is the only way to know for certain.

They can help some people with mild, occasional snoring, but “boil-and-bite” devices are molded once, at a fixed jaw position that isn't individualized to you — and can't be adjusted (titrated) the way a custom appliance can. Poor fit is also a real concern: an ill-fitting device worn regularly can strain the jaw joint or gradually shift tooth position, which is why a custom-fitted appliance, monitored by a dentist, is generally the safer long-term option for regular use.

There isn't strong scientific evidence that mouth taping meaningfully reduces snoring — the studies that exist are small, and most of what's out there is anecdotal. It also carries real safety risk for anyone with nasal congestion, a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or undiagnosed sleep apnea, since it can make it harder to breathe if you can't fully clear your nose during the night. It's not something we recommend without talking to a doctor first.

Coverage depends on the diagnosis. Custom oral appliance therapy for snoring alone (without a sleep apnea diagnosis) is often considered elective and may not be covered by medical insurance, while treatment for a diagnosed case of obstructive sleep apnea is frequently billed through medical insurance instead. We'll walk you through what applies to your situation before treatment begins.

Dr. Boris Zusin takes a digital scan or impression of your teeth, which is sent to the lab for custom fabrication of your appliance. Once it arrives, we check the fit, make any needed adjustments, and give you instructions for nightly wear — with follow-up visits to fine-tune the jaw position as needed.