Snoring Appliances and Night Guards

Waking up tired after a full night’s sleep is frustrating, and our snoring appliances and night guards are often the answer for two very common and very treatable causes: snoring and teeth grinding. Dr. Faranak Khasraghi, DDS, DMD, at County Center Dental Group, takes a close look at what’s disrupting your sleep and your oral health, then builds a solution around your specific needs.

These custom-fitted devices offer a simple, non-invasive way to protect your teeth and help you finally get the rest your body needs. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, each one is crafted to match your bite, habits, and comfort.

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Woman in a white robe holding a clear night guard used to protect teeth from grinding

How Untreated Snoring and Grinding Damage Your Teeth Over Time

Snoring and teeth grinding might seem like minor annoyances, but left unaddressed, both can cause serious and lasting damage to your oral health. Snoring is often a sign that your airway is partially blocked during sleep, and when that obstruction is chronic, it puts ongoing strain on your jaw muscles and surrounding tissue. Over time, this can contribute to jaw soreness, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns that compound into bigger health concerns.

Teeth grinding, clinically known as bruxism, is particularly destructive because it works silently while you sleep. The repeated pressure wears down enamel, the hardest substance in your body, and once it’s gone, it doesn’t grow back. Cracked teeth, increased sensitivity, flattened cusps, and damaged restorations are all common consequences of untreated grinding. The longer it goes without intervention, the more extensive and expensive the damage becomes. Snoring appliances and night guards exist specifically to stop that damage before it progresses.

Woman pressing a pillow over her ear in bed beside a man sleeping with his mouth open, showing how snoring disrupts sleep.

Custom Oral Appliances Available at Our Practice

Snoring and teeth grinding are common and treatable, and the right appliance depends on which one you are dealing with. Every appliance we offer is made to match your bite, your habits, and your comfort. Here is how each option works and what research says about it.

Snoring Appliances

Custom snoring appliances work by gently shifting the lower jaw forward during sleep, which helps keep your airway from collapsing and reduces the vibrations that cause snoring. These devices are particularly useful for people who snore due to airway obstruction rather than another underlying medical condition. Many patients notice significant improvement in their sleep quality, and their partner’s, within the first few nights of consistent use.

SLEEP MEDICINE GROUPS RECOMMEND ORAL APPLIANCES FOR SNORING

A joint guideline from two national sleep medicine groups reviewed the research on oral appliances for snoring. It also says the cause of snoring should be confirmed before treatment starts, which is why a careful evaluation comes first.

“recommends oral appliance therapy as an effective treatment for primary snoring in adults”

American Academy of Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, “AASM and AADSM Issue New Joint Clinical Practice Guideline for Oral Appliance Therapy,” press release, 2015

Night Guards

A custom night guard fits over your upper or lower teeth to create a protective barrier against the pressure of grinding and clenching. Over time, bruxism can wear down enamel, cause tooth sensitivity, crack restorations, and lead to chronic jaw pain or headaches, and a night guard helps prevent all of that. Because it’s designed specifically for your mouth, it’s far more comfortable and effective than anything you’d find at a drugstore.

NIGHT GUARDS FUNCTION AS A PROTECTIVE BARRIER FOR TEETH

A systematic review of 15 studies on managing sleep bruxism describes night guards, also called occlusal splints, as devices that keep teeth from touching during sleep. The reviewers also stress that treatment should be matched to each patient, which is why a custom fit matters.

“Occlusal splints, often night guards, are dental appliances that function as protective barriers”

Ainoosah S, Farghal AE, Alzemei MS, et al., “Comparative Analysis of Different Types of Occlusal Splints for the Management of Sleep Bruxism: A Systematic Review,” BMC Oral Health, 2024

The Risks of Delaying Snoring Appliances and Night Guards

Snoring and teeth grinding are common and treatable, and it is natural to wonder what waiting would mean and what treatment involves. Putting off a custom appliance carries its own risks to your finances, your health, and your safety, and getting one raises fair questions of its own. Here is what each one looks like and how we help you handle it.

Financial Risk of Delaying a Night Guard

The longer grinding goes without treatment, the more extensive and expensive repairs to your teeth can become. A custom appliance is a longer-term investment, and most custom-made night guards last between two and five years. You will know exactly what to expect before any impressions or fittings are scheduled. County Center Dental Group accepts most PPO plans and offers monthly payments through Cherry and CareCredit.

Health Risk of Waiting on Snoring Treatment

Snoring and grinding can disrupt your sleep and put ongoing strain on your teeth and jaw, and a custom appliance is a simple, non-invasive way to protect both. Because it is made to match your bite, most patients are comfortable with their appliance right away. A brief adjustment period of a few days is completely normal, and Dr. Khasraghi checks the fit carefully and makes any needed adjustments at your fitting. Follow-up appointments then confirm that your appliance still fits and keeps delivering the results you need.

Safety Risk of Starting Without a Proper Evaluation

Not everyone who snores or grinds needs the same solution, so starting without a clear evaluation can leave you guessing which appliance is right. Dr. Khasraghi begins with a thorough evaluation of your teeth, jaw, and sleep-related symptoms to determine which appliance is appropriate for your situation. When sleep symptoms are part of the picture, pairing that dental evaluation with a sleep study referral helps confirm an oral appliance is the right option. The team also communicates openly about what your device will and will not do, what to watch for, and when to come back.

Why Choose Us

A lot of dental offices offer night guards and snoring appliances; what differs is how much attention goes into fitting them properly and following through afterward. Dr. Faranak Khasraghi, DDS, DMD, treats each case individually, factoring in your bite, your habits, your dental history, and your comfort before recommending any device. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is assumed.

County Center Dental Group is the kind of practice where you leave with clear answers, not just a new appliance. The team communicates openly about what your device will and won’t do, what to watch for, and when to come back. That transparency, paired with custom fabrication and hands-on follow-up care, is what makes the difference between an appliance that sits in a drawer and one that actually improves your daily life.

Smiling man with gray hair, a gray beard, and glasses in a blue sweater, looking relaxed

Dentist Woodbridge VA

Get Fitted for Our Snoring Appliances and Night Guards

Our snoring appliances and night guards are built for exactly these cases: a worn-down tooth or a partner kept awake by snoring is not a small issues, they’re signs that something needs attention. Dr. Faranak Khasraghi, DDS, DMD, at County Center Dental Group specializes in custom oral appliances that address both problems with precision and care. Schedule your appointment today by reaching us at 703.670.4888, and for a look at our work and patient experiences, find us on Facebook!

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FAQs

How do snoring appliances work?

Snoring appliances work by repositioning your lower jaw or tongue slightly forward, which keeps your airway from narrowing during sleep. This prevents the tissue vibrations that create snoring sounds and helps air flow more freely throughout the night. Most people notice a significant reduction in snoring after just a few nights of consistent use.

How oral appliances help with sleep apnea?

For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances can be an effective alternative to CPAP therapy by keeping the airway open through jaw repositioning. They reduce the frequency of breathing interruptions that occur when throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep. A dental evaluation combined with a sleep study referral will determine whether an oral appliance is the right treatment option for your specific case.

How to clean oral appliances for sleep apnea?

Rinse your oral appliance with cool water each morning and use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any buildup before storing it in its case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material and affect the fit. You can also use a mild denture cleaner or appliance-specific cleaning tablets a few times per week for a deeper clean.

How to clean a night guard?

Clean your night guard each morning by rinsing it with cool water and brushing it gently with a soft toothbrush; no toothpaste needed, as abrasive ingredients can scratch the surface. Let it air dry completely before placing it in its storage case to prevent bacteria from growing in a moist environment. Occasional soaking in a non-alcoholic, non-abrasive cleaning solution helps keep it fresh and sanitary between uses.

How long do night guards last?

The lifespan of a night guard depends on the severity of your grinding habit and how well you care for the appliance, but most custom-made guards last between two and five years. Heavy grinders may wear through their device sooner, while those with lighter habits often get more use out of a single guard. Regular dental check-ins help identify when your night guard needs to be replaced before the fit or protection is compromised.

How much is a night guard from the dentist?

The cost of a custom night guard from a dental office varies depending on the type of guard, the materials used, and your specific dental needs. Professionally made guards are a longer-term investment compared to over-the-counter options, but the custom fit and durable materials make them far more comfortable and effective. Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for night guards when bruxism has been clinically documented, so it’s worth checking your benefits before your appointment.