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A dentist with experience in dental sleep medicine can help assess whether an oral appliance is suitable for snoring. The most useful first appointment considers your sleep symptoms and dental health together, rather than starting with a mouthpiece sale.

Illustration of an adult discussing sleep concerns with a clinician
Illustration: discussing sleep symptoms and treatment options.

Prepare a short account of the problem

Bring your medicine list and details of any previous sleep assessment. If you already use CPAP or another treatment, explain what works and what is difficult. Describe the effect on sleep, not only the noise.

You can also bring questions written by your partner, with their agreement. This helps capture observations you cannot make while asleep without making them responsible for diagnosing you.

What should the consultation cover?

The dentist reviews the teeth, gums, jaw and other relevant structures to assess whether an appliance can be fitted appropriately. Screening for possible sleep apnea is part of the wider pathway; looking into the mouth alone does not establish or exclude that diagnosis.

Ask how the dentist will work with your doctor or sleep service if further assessment is needed. The AADSM’s standards emphasise this collaboration and ongoing care.

Understand the proposed appliance

A mandibular advancement device holds the lower jaw forward during use. Ask why the proposed design suits your circumstances, how it will be adjusted and how you should clean and store it. A guard supplied for tooth grinding has a different purpose.

Discuss follow-up before committing

Clarify who deals with discomfort, how changes in your bite will be monitored and what is included in the price. For sleep apnea, ask how the treating clinician will check whether breathing events are controlled.

Do not stop prescribed CPAP just because a device feels comfortable or your partner hears less noise. A change of treatment needs an agreed plan.

Five useful questions

  • Do I need a sleep assessment before an appliance is selected?
  • What makes my teeth and jaw suitable for this design?
  • Who carries out adjustments and long-term reviews?
  • What should I do if my bite or jaw comfort changes?
  • What is the plan if the appliance does not help?

A good consultation should leave you understanding the decision, the costs and the next step, even if an appliance is not recommended.

Keep reading

Sources and further reading

Published by TannerMedico A/S, the manufacturer of Asonor. This article provides general information for adults and does not replace individual medical advice.

Yes, a dentist can help you stop snoring with the use of customized oral devices. These devices work to reduce vibrations, keep the airway open and enhances the sleep quality.
By examining the jaw alignment, airway obstructions, oral structures and tongue position, the dentist diagnoses your snoring or sleep apnea. Sleep studies might be needed for proper diagnosis.
You would notice the difference within a few weeks of using the dental device regularly. However, complete adjustment and proper results might take a couple of months.
If you suffer with mild to moderate sleep apnea, a dental device might help and replace a CPAP device. But if you have severe sleep apnea, you will require a CPAP machine to provide proper airflow when asleep.
Yes, there may be some side effects such as bote changes, dry mouth, discomfort in the jaw and even tooth movement. But most of these are manageable and mild.

About Asonor Team

The Asonor Team at TannerMedico A/S shares information about snoring, sleep and the use of Asonor. TannerMedico is the manufacturer of Asonor. Our articles provide general information and do not replace individual advice, diagnosis or treatment from a healthcare professional.

View all posts by Asonor Team