Snore Guards in Oak Lawn, IL

What Is a Snore Guard?

A snore guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance worn at night to help prevent the airway from collapsing during sleep. Snoring typically occurs when soft tissues in the throat vibrate as air struggles to pass through a narrowed airway. A snore guard repositions the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep the airway open and reduces the vibrations that cause snoring.

Unlike over-the-counter devices, our professionally made snore guards are:

• Custom-molded to your bite for a secure and comfortable fit
• Designed for long-term use with durable materials
• Slim enough to allow normal breathing and restful sleep
• Non-invasive and easy to wear without power cords or noise

We fabricate your snore guard using high-quality impressions of your mouth to ensure a precise fit that won’t shift during the night.

Is Snoring a Sign of a Bigger Issue?

While occasional snoring isn’t always cause for concern, chronic or loud snoring may be linked to sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If left untreated, these conditions can contribute to:

• Daytime fatigue or poor concentration
• Morning headaches
• High blood pressure
• Irritability or mood changes
• Increased risk of heart disease or stroke

If Dr. Smith suspects your snoring may be connected to a more serious condition, he may recommend a medical sleep study or work in coordination with your physician to rule out sleep apnea.

Who Can Benefit from a Snore Guard?

You may be a good candidate for a snore guard if:

• You experience habitual snoring without pauses in breathing
• You’ve tried CPAP but find it uncomfortable or hard to maintain
• You share a room or bed with a partner affected by your snoring
• You’ve been advised to seek treatment for mild sleep-disordered breathing
• You’re looking for a portable, quiet alternative to machines

Snore guards are particularly helpful for patients who do not qualify for or cannot tolerate CPAP therapy but still need an intervention to improve nighttime airflow.

The Process for Getting a Snore Guard

Getting started with a snore guard at Inside The Smile is easy:

1. Evaluation: Dr. Smith performs an exam and discusses your symptoms, medical history, and sleep concerns.
2. Impressions: We take custom molds of your upper and lower teeth to design a perfectly fitted appliance.
3. Fitting: Once your appliance is fabricated, you’ll return for a fitting and adjustment.
4. Follow-Up: We’ll monitor your progress and comfort over time to ensure continued effectiveness.

Your snore guard is easy to clean, simple to store, and requires no electricity or maintenance beyond regular checkups.

How Snore Guards Support Your Overall Health

Snoring doesn’t just affect your sleep—it impacts your heart, brain, and daily functioning. By addressing snoring early, a snore guard can:

• Improve sleep quality for both you and your partner
• Reduce the risk of more serious airway issues
• Help protect against Bruxism or nighttime clenching
• Support better oxygen flow and reduce nighttime awakenings
• Encourage healthier habits and greater energy during the day

If your snoring is part of a broader concern such as jaw positioning or tension, we may also recommend related therapies like TMJ treatment or airway-friendly appliances such as the VIDA or POD systems.