Snoring Treatments Compared: Oral Appliances vs. Surgery

CHESTER, VA - Chester Dental Care provides information on oral appliance therapy and surgical options for chronic snoring. Serving Chester and the greater Richmond area, the practice helps patients understand available snoring treatments and consider appropriate long-term options.

Understanding Snoring Treatment Options

Snoring affects sleep quality for millions of people and their partners. While many people first try snoring treatment at home through lifestyle changes, some cases require professional intervention. Chester Dental Care provides information about two main medical approaches: oral appliances and surgery.

Vivos therapy focuses on guiding natural jaw and airway development rather than simply holding the lower jaw forward during sleep. The approach aims to increase airway volume and reduce tissue collapse linked to snoring. Treatment uses custom oral appliances worn as directed over time, with goals that extend beyond nightly symptom control.

Surgical procedures address structural problems in the airway. Different surgery types target specific areas such as the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, or jaw position. These interventions provide permanent changes to airway anatomy.

Success Rates and Effectiveness

Research shows that oral appliances reduce snoring by an average of 45% across different measurement methods. The devices work best for people with mild to moderate snoring who have sufficient natural teeth to support the appliance.

Surgical success rates vary by procedure type. Studies indicate that uvulopalatopharyngoplasty success rates vary widely when used to treat snoring, with effectiveness depending on patient anatomy and severity. More advanced procedures like maxillomandibular advancement show higher success rates of 80% to 90% but require major surgery.

Starting with Conservative Approaches

Many patients begin with natural treatment for snoring before considering medical devices or surgery. These methods include sleeping on the side instead of the back, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and keeping nasal passages clear.

Snoring treatment exercises strengthen the throat and tongue muscles. Regular practice of these exercises for 10 to 30 minutes daily over three months can reduce snoring frequency and intensity for some people. These exercises work by improving muscle tone around the airway.

Chester Dental Care recommends exhausting conservative snoring treatments before pursuing invasive options. Simple lifestyle modifications and exercises provide benefits without risks or costs associated with medical interventions.

Oral Appliance Considerations

Oral appliances offer a middle ground between home remedies and surgery. Patients who cannot achieve relief through lifestyle changes alone may benefit from these devices. The appliances require custom fitting by a trusted dentist trained in sleep dentistry.

Treatment starts with digital scans or impressions to evaluate airway structure and jaw position. A customized Vivos appliance is then fabricated and fitted, with adjustments made over time to support comfort and functional changes. Periodic follow-up visits track progress and guide appliance modifications as treatment advances.

Reported side effects may include temporary jaw soreness, bite changes, or increased saliva, particularly during the early stages. These effects are typically monitored during care and may resolve as the mouth adapts, or once active treatment is completed.

Surgical Intervention Factors

Surgery becomes relevant when oral appliances and other treatments fail to provide adequate relief. Patients with specific structural abnormalities may also be surgical candidates. These include enlarged tonsils, severe jaw misalignment, or excess throat tissue.

Recovery time varies significantly by procedure. Simple procedures may require one to two weeks of healing. Major surgeries like jaw repositioning need several months for complete recovery. Patients should plan for time away from work and normal activities.

Surgical risks may include bleeding, infection, pain, and anesthesia complications. Some procedures can cause permanent voice changes or difficulty swallowing. Unlike oral appliances, surgical changes cannot be reversed if results prove unsatisfactory.

Chester Dental Care's Role in Treatment Decisions

Chester Dental Care provides thorough evaluations for patients experiencing chronic snoring. The practice's airway-focused approach examines the underlying causes of breathing disruption during sleep. With experience in sleep dentistry and general dentistry, the team helps patients understand which treatment options align with their specific situations.

The practice fits custom oral appliances for appropriate candidates. When surgical consultation becomes necessary, Chester Dental Care works collaboratively with sleep physicians and surgeons to help patients.

Patients seeking information about effective snoring treatments can schedule consultations by calling (804)748-2555 or emailing frontdesk@chesterdentalcareva.com. The practice serves Chester, Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, and surrounding Virginia communities.

About Chester Dental Care

Chester Dental Care is based in Chester, Virginia, and serves families across the Greater Richmond area. The practice focuses on airway-centered dentistry, offering general dental services along with care related to sleep and airway health. Dr. Shwetha Rodrigues leads the practice and brings advanced training in sleep dentistry and airway-focused care.

With nearly 20 years in dentistry, including more than a decade working with airway and sleep-related treatment, Dr. Rodrigues also serves as a Vivos Clinical Advisor. The practice collaborates with medical providers to support coordinated care and helps patients understand how oral health connects to long-term overall wellness.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Contact Information:

Chester Dental Care

12517 Jefferson Davis Highway
Chester, VA 23831
United States

Shwetha Rodrigues
https://chesterdentalcareva.com/